Description
This easy savory pumpkin dip blends creamy pumpkin, tangy cream cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing fall appetizer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, it’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with veggies, crackers, or chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Crudités: carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, celery (for serving)
- Pita chips, crackers, or crostini (for serving)
- Toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans, for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften.
- Mince garlic (roast in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes wrapped in foil for deeper flavor, if desired). Chop sage and chives.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and sour cream. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, garlic, sage, chives, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or herbs as needed. If too thick, stir in 1–2 tbsp milk or water.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately if short on time.
- Spoon into a serving bowl or hollowed pumpkin. Garnish with extra chives, toasted nuts, or a pinch of paprika.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest dip. Roasting garlic adds depth, but raw works in a pinch. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Make ahead for best flavor—chilling melds the flavors. The dip is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with plant-based alternatives. Serve with veggies, chips, or crostini. For a nut-free version, skip the nut topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g) per serving
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: pumpkin dip, savory pumpkin dip, fall appetizer, party dip, easy dip, gluten-free, vegetarian, autumn recipes, holiday appetizer