Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

Look no further than this toasted walnut pumpkin dip recipe to wow guests at your next holiday party or gathering! It’s a perfect appetizer or snack for autumn gatherings or any time you’re craving a delightful pumpkin-flavored treat.

Our family has enjoyed this fun appetizer dip on Thanksgiving while we’re waiting for the turkey and stuffing to finish cooking!!

Not only is this dip easy to make, but it’s also packed with delicious flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!!

Made with creamy pumpkin puree, toasty walnuts, and a blend of warm spices, this dip is the perfect addition to any appetizer spread.

So grab some crackers, veggies, or your favorite dipping snack, and get ready to indulge in this scrumptious fall-inspired dip!

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Ingredients in the Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

The simple ingredients in this creamy dip recipe are easily found!  I’m even betting you probably already have some of these easy ingredients in your pantry or fridge!!

The base for this dip is the pumpkin!  You’ll want to make sure to use canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling!!

Difference Between Pumpkin Puree and Pumpkin Pie Filling

Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling are both made from pumpkin, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. The main differences between the two are:

Ingredients

Pumpkin puree is made from cooked and mashed pumpkin flesh. It contains no additional ingredients other than the pumpkin itself. It is pure, unsweetened, and has a smooth consistency.

Pumpkin pie filling is a pre-mixed blend of pumpkin puree and various sweeteners and spices. It typically contains sugar or a sweetener like corn syrup, as well as a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Some commercial pumpkin pie fillings may also include additives like stabilizers and thickeners.

Sweetness and Spice

Pumpkin puree is not sweetened and does not contain any spices, allowing it to be versatile for both sweet and savory recipes.

Pumpkin pie filling is specifically formulated for making pumpkin pie, and it is sweetened and flavored with the traditional spices used in pumpkin pie recipes. It is not suitable for savory dishes without adjustments.

Uses

Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient used in various recipes, including soups, stews, muffins, pancakes, and more. It acts as a base for pumpkin-flavored dishes and can be used in both sweet and savory applications.

Pumpkin pie filling, as the name suggests, it is primarily used as the filling for pumpkin pies. It is designed to have the right balance of sweetness and spices for a classic pumpkin pie.

Consistency

Pumpkin puree has a smooth and thick consistency due to its pure form.

Pumpkin pie filling is typically thicker and more pudding-like in texture compared to pumpkin puree due to the added ingredients.

Remember, this recipe calls for pumpkin puree.  Not pumpkin pie filling!!

Other Ingredients in the Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

The other ingredients in this savory dip recipe are 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.

With the combination of spices in this recipe you can see why it is so very flavorful!!

You’ll also use 1/2 cup chopped walnuts,  pinch of salt, and if you’d like a little more sweetness you can add a bit ‘o honey!!

Substitute Ingredients You Could Use

There are several ingredients that can be substituted or adjusted in the toasted walnut pumpkin dip recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some possible substitutions…

Sweetener

Instead of brown sugar, you can use maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.

Nut Butter

If you don’t have or prefer not to use walnuts, you can replace them with another nut like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can also use a nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter if you want a smoother consistency.

Dairy-Free Options

For a dairy-free version of the dip, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt or any other plant-based yogurt. Make sure the dairy-free cream cheese has a similar texture to regular cream cheese for the best results.

Spices

The spice blend can be customized to your liking. If you prefer more or less of a specific spice, adjust the quantities accordingly. You can also add other warming spices like allspice or cardamom if you enjoy their flavors.

Pumpkin Variations

While canned pumpkin puree is commonly used, you can use fresh roasted pumpkin or butternut squash puree as well. Just make sure the texture is smooth and free of any fibers.

Nutritional Enhancements

To add extra nutritional value, consider adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds to the dip. These will provide a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Creamy Base

If you prefer a lighter dip, you can replace some or all of the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with plain yogurt or sour cream.

Gluten-Free Dippers

If you need gluten-free options for serving, choose gluten-free pretzels, gluten-free crackers, rice cakes, or gluten-free bread for toasting.

Always keep in mind that ingredient substitutions may alter the flavor, texture, or nutritional profile of the dip. It’s a good idea to experiment with small quantities first to ensure you achieve the taste and consistency you desire.

Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking!

Making the Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

This Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe is a seasonal treat that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying as a delicious snack. Here’s how to make this fun autumn treat!

Toast the Walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they turn slightly golden and become fragrant. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly burn. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Dip

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, plain Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until well combined.

Adjust Sweetness

Taste the dip and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you’d like it sweeter, add a drizzle of honey and mix again.

Add the Walnuts

Fold in the toasted walnuts into the dip, reserving a few for garnish if you desire.

Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling will allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the taste.

Garnish and Serve this Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

Before serving, you can garnish the dip with a few additional toasted walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, some fresh thyme, or a drizzle of honey. I love these adorable serving bowls from Amazon! Serve the pumpkin walnut dip with your favorite dippers!

Dippers to Serve with the Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

The pumpkin walnut dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers and accompaniments. Here are some delicious suggestions for serving this dip…

Apple Slices

Fresh, crisp apple slices are a classic and healthy choice to serve with pumpkin walnut dip. The sweetness of the apples complements the spiced flavors of the dip.

Pretzels

Both soft or crunchy pretzels work well with the dip. They provide a savory and slightly salty contrast to the creamy sweetness of the pumpkin.

Graham Crackers

The sweet and slightly nutty flavor of graham crackers is a delightful match for the pumpkin walnut dip. They add a lovely crunch and texture.

Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

These chips offer a hint of sweetness and an additional touch of cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the dip.

Vanilla Wafers

Vanilla wafers bring a buttery and sweet element to the dip. Their lightness makes them a great choice for a more delicate dip experience.

Cinnamon Toast

Prepare some cinnamon toast by toasting slices of bread with butter and cinnamon sugar. Cut them into smaller pieces for dipping.

Carrot Sticks

For a healthier option, serve the dip with fresh carrot sticks. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the dip’s flavors.

Toasted Baguette Slices

Slice a baguette, lightly toast the slices, and serve them alongside the dip. The crusty texture of the baguette adds a nice contrast.

Mini Pumpkin Muffins

Bake some mini pumpkin muffins to enjoy with the dip. The muffins and the dip will reinforce each other’s pumpkin flavors.

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Cut tortillas into triangles, spray them with cooking spray, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until crisp.

Feel free to mix and match these serving options to create a beautiful and delicious presentation! The variety of textures and flavors will make your pumpkin walnut dip an enticing centerpiece at any gathering or snack time!!

What Else Pairs Well with the Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe?

In addition to the suggested dippers mentioned, there are plenty of other foods that pair well with this savory dip! Here are some more ideas to consider…

Cheese Platter

Serve the pumpkin walnut dip alongside a cheese platter with an assortment of cheeses like brie, camembert, cheddar, or gouda. The creamy dip and the cheeses complement each other wonderfully.

Our family loves a good charcuterie!  Check out my post on putting together a great charcuterie board!

Vegetable Platter

Create a colorful vegetable platter with a variety of fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, and cauliflower. The crunchy veggies provide a refreshing balance to the creamy dip.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

For a decadent treat, serve warm cinnamon sugar-coated donut holes with the dip. The combination is a delightful blend of sweet and savory.

Caramelized Bananas

Slice bananas and lightly sauté them in a pan with a little butter and brown sugar until they caramelize. These sweet and soft bananas make a great partner for the dip.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Offer pumpkin spice cookies as a dessert option to enjoy with the dip. The similar flavors will create a harmonious experience. I’ve yet to make pumpkin spice cookies but they’re on my list of fall cookie recipes to try!!

Dried Fruits

Pair the dip with an assortment of dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or raisins. They add a chewy and naturally sweet element to the dip.

Mini Waffles

Make mini waffles and serve them as dippers for the pumpkin walnut dip. They’ll bring a fun and unique twist to the snack.

Pita Bread

Cut pita bread into triangles and toast them for a warm and slightly crispy option to enjoy with the dip.

Ginger Snaps

The spiciness of ginger snaps complements the flavors in the dip. Their texture and taste make them an excellent choice. Gingersnaps remind me of my grandma, she always had them in her cookie jar!

Pumpkin Seeds

Roast pumpkin seeds and sprinkle them over the dip or serve them on the side for an extra nutty and seasonal touch.

Remember that taste preferences vary, so feel free to experiment and find the combinations that you and your guests enjoy the most. With such a versatile dip like this, the possibilities are endless!!

Storing the Leftover Toasted Walnut Pumpkin Dip Recipe

Don’t be surprised if you don’t have any leftover dip to store!!  But if you do, follow these simple steps to ensure it remains safe and fresh for future consumption…

Transfer to an Airtight Container

Once you’re done serving the dip, transfer any remaining portion to an airtight container. A sealable container helps prevent air exposure, which can lead to the dip losing its freshness and absorbing odors from the fridge.

Refrigerate Promptly

Place the airtight container in the refrigerator promptly after transferring the dip. The refrigerator should be set at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain food safety.

Consume Within 3-5 Days

The pumpkin walnut dip will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Consume it within this period for the best taste and quality.

Avoid Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing leftover pumpkin walnut dip is not recommended due to its dairy content. Both cream cheese and Greek yogurt, which are key ingredients in the dip, do not freeze well. Freezing can cause the dip to separate and change in texture, resulting in an undesirable consistency when thawed.

Additionally, the water content in the dip may crystallize during freezing, leading to further deterioration in quality. When thawed, the dip may become watery and lose its creamy texture and taste.

Check for Spoilage

Before eating any leftover dip, perform a visual and smell check to ensure it hasn’t spoiled. If you notice any mold, off-smells, or a significant change in appearance, it’s best to discard the dip to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.

Consider Stirring Before Serving

As the dip chills in the refrigerator, it may separate slightly. If you notice any separation, gently stir the dip before serving to restore its smooth consistency.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your leftover pumpkin walnut dip for several days without compromising its taste and quality. Just remember to keep an eye on the expiration date of the ingredients you used. And use your best judgment when determining if the dip is still safe to eat!

To avoid wasting the dip, it’s best to make a batch that suits your needs or adjust the recipe to yield a smaller quantity if you think you won’t consume it all within a few days.

For other fun dip recipes check out my Ham and Pickle Roll-up Dip or my Crab Rangoon Dip.

Another great appetizer or snack recipe is my Best Ever Beer Cheese Dip!

Enjoy and Happy Dipping!!