This warm Savory Pumpkin Dip is rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. Blended with smoky bacon, fresh sage, and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate fall appetizer to cozy up with.

Serve it bubbling hot with crusty baguette slices or crunchy crackers, and watch it disappear in minutes!

Savory pumpkin dip garnished with bacon and served with toasted bread.

Table of Contents

There’s something about Fall that makes me crave comforting dips, and this one checks all the boxes. Whether I’m hosting friends, setting out snacks for game day, or just wanting a warm, tasty bite in the evening, this savory pumpkin dip always comes through. It’s seasonal and feels a little special, but it’s also simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, which is what makes it a go-to Fall recipe.

If you can’t get enough pumpkin recipes, you’re in the right place! If you’re craving something sweet, try my creamy Pumpkin Pie Dip, it’s like dessert in dip form. And for a cozy dinner idea, my Pumpkin Baked Feta Pasta is a fun twist on the viral favorite, with a seasonal upgrade you’ll love.

Why This Recipe Works

Cozy fall flavors: Sage, nutmeg, and rich pumpkin flavor come together for that warm, seasonal taste in every bite.
Creamy meets cheesy: Cream cheese and Gruyère (or cheddar) make the dip irresistibly smooth with just the right amount of cheesy richness.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Crowd-pleasing & versatile: Serve it with baguette slices, crackers, or even fresh veggies. It’s a guaranteed hit at fall gatherings and makes a delicious addition to any Thanksgiving spread. And if you need more Thanksgiving recipes, I have plenty of everything but the turkey recipes!

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the ingredient list, you’ll love that this recipe is naturally gluten-free, comes together with minimal prep time, and bakes into a rich, creamy dip that’s full of cozy fall flavors.

Small bowls with pumpkin, milk, cheese, cream cheese and spices.

Bacon – Adds a smoky, salty crunch that balances the creaminess of the dip. Cook until crispy for the best texture.
Shallot – Provides a subtle, slightly sweet onion flavor that won’t overpower the pumpkin.
Fresh Sage – Earthy and aromatic, sage pairs beautifully with pumpkin. Reserve a little extra for garnish.
Pumpkin purée – The star of the recipe! Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the right flavor.
Cream cheese – Makes the dip creamy and smooth. Cubing helps it melt faster and more evenly.
Whole milk – Keeps the dip rich but not too heavy, helping achieve a velvety consistency.
Lemon juice – Adds a touch of brightness and cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream. Dijon mustard can work as an alternative.
Nutmeg – A warm spice that enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness without being overpowering.
Gruyère or sharp white cheddar – Melts beautifully and adds nutty, savory depth. Gruyère is especially silky, while cheddar brings a sharper edge.
Baguette or crackers – Perfect for dipping; toast the bread slices for a crisp texture that holds up well to the warm, cheesy dip.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

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Substitutions/Additions

Cheese swaps – Use fontina, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese or even smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
Herb variations – Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used in place of sage, or add a mix for extra depth.
Pumpkin alternatives – Try butternut squash or sweet potato purée if you want to switch up the base.
Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Toppings – Sprinkle with candied pecans, crispy fried sage leaves, or extra bacon crumbles for more flavor and texture.
Dippers – Switch out baguette for pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, apple slices, or even raw veggies.

How to Make Savory Pumpkin Dip

Slices of bacon on a foil lined baking sheet.

Cook the bacon: Bake the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet for 10–15 minutes until crispy.

Dice the bacon: Blot with paper towels, dice into small pieces, and reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat for later.

Sautéing shallots and sage in a skillet.

Sauté shallot and sage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté the reserved bacon fat (if using), butter, shallot, and sage for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the shallot softens.

Stirring pumpkin, cream cheese and milk with seasonings.

Combine: Reduce the heat to low and stir to blend in the pumpkin purée, cream cheese, and milk. Continue stirring for 5-6 minutes, until smooth. Add the lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Add the cheese and bacon: Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until melted and bubbly. Then fold in the bacon, saving some for garnishing.

Savory pumpkin dip topped with bacon and sage.

Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl (this pumpkin shaped one is right on theme!) and garnish with the remaining chopped bacon and more fresh sage. Serve hot with toasted baguette or crackers of your choice.

Helpful Tips

Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese from a block melts smoother, creamier, and stays melty longer than pre-shredded cheese (which often has anti-caking agents).
Go for thin bacon: Thin slices get extra crispy, which works perfectly in this dip. Thick-cut bacon tends to stay chewy instead of crisping up.
Save that bacon fat: Right after the bacon comes out of the oven, scrape a spoon across the pan to collect about a tablespoon of drippings. It adds amazing flavor to the shallots and sage. (Cooking bacon in a skillet yields more fat, but I prefer the oven since it keeps the mess down.)
Taste and adjust seasoning: Pumpkin varies in sweetness, so don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt or pepper at the end to balance everything out.
Serve it hot: This dip is best warm and gooey, so serve it right away or keep it in a warm oven until ready.
Storage: Let the dip cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often to keep it creamy.

Dipping a small piece of toast into a creamy orange dip.

More Cozy Fall Recipes to Try

If you tried this savory pumpkin dip recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you, and this helps my business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes!