It’s officially time to share one of my favorite recipes of all time. This Pumpkin Queso Fundido has it ALL. Spicy peppers, creamy melted cheese, sweet and tender pumpkin, and smoky turkey make this dip ridiculously addicting. I have been making this dip for almost a decade and when fall hits, I look for any excuse. Football game on the weekend? Halloween party? Friendsgiving? Extra pumpkins laying around? All valid reasons to whip this up. This recipe makes one pumpkin’s worth, but I always make two pumpkins MINIMUM. There’s just something so cozy about melty cheese dip and when its served in a soft and delicious pumpkin, the touch of fall takes it to another level. Once you give this a try, I promise it’s bound to become an autumn staple.
The main thing that sets this dish apart and really made me fall in love with it is the pumpkin. Not only is it a beautiful and festive way to serve the queso, but it really adds to the flavor and experience of this dish. Scooping some pumpkin out along with the queso and eating it together adds a layer of creaminess and sweetness that is so unique to pumpkin.
Queso fundido is traditionally a dish of melted cheese with chorizo, but I swapped in smoked turkey as I prefer the flavor and it helps keep the dish from becoming too greasy. If you prefer honey ham or another type of protein here, you could easily swap that in.
Looking for other fall favorites? Try These:
Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Sage
Harvest Quesadilla with Spiced Cherry Preserves
The combination of both fresh jalapenos and canned green chiles is really special. They both have that peppery bite I love but in slightly different ways – definitely don’t skip out on using both. If you are worried about the heat or want more spice, you can always remove/include the pepper seeds or increase/decrease how much cayenne you use.
This dish is pretty easy to make as well. As long you remember to slowly whisk in the cheese and let it fully melt between each addition, you should have no trouble maintaining a smooth and creamy dip.
I hope you love this Pumpkin Queso Fundido as much as I do! If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you thought or feel free to ask a question! I’d also love to see what you made! Tag me in your food pics @fortheperfectbite or use #fortheperfectbite on Instagram.
Pumpkin Queso Fundido
Ingredients
- 1 small sugar or pie pumpkin
- 8 ounces smoked turkey diced
- 1 large jalapeno pepper seeds removed for less heat, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby or Monterey jack cheese
- ½ cup smoked Gouda, shredded
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Slice off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp. I like to save the seeds for roasting and discard the pulp.
- Place the pumpkin and its lid on a microwave-safe plate, pour 1 tablespoon of water inside, then microwave for 12-15 minutes, until tender. Let the pumpkin cool slightly, then move to a baking dish.
- In a medium pot, cook the diced smoked turkey and diced jalapeno in the olive oil over medium heat until the jalapeno is beginning to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the green chiles, cayenne, and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 2 more minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour into the pot, stirring to coat the turkey and peppers and cook until the flour is just toasted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and wine. Bring to a simmer and stir until smooth.
- With the mixture just barely simmering, whisk the cheeses into the broth, about ½ cup at a time, waiting for the cheese to melt before adding more.
- When all the cheese has been incorporated and the dip is smooth, ladle the cheese dip into the pumpkin in the baking dish.
- Bake the pumpkin with its lid on for 10 minutes.
- Serve with tortilla chips. Be sure to scoop some pumpkin along with the cheese dip.
Come see what’s happening on Instagram!
Let’s see your skills! Tag me in your pictures @fortheperfectbite on Instagram.
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a recipe!
Based on 1 Review(s)
