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Cozy Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Pumpkin Bread Bowl

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A creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip baked inside a hollowed-out sugar pumpkin, creating an edible bowl that’s perfect for fall gatherings. This showstopper recipe is surprisingly easy and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2–3 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash the pumpkin. Using a sharp knife, cut a circle around the stem at the top, angling the knife inward so the lid doesn’t fall through. Remove the lid and set aside. Scoop out all seeds and stringy pulp from the inside.
  3. Brush the inside and outside of the pumpkin with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
  5. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the hollowed pumpkin, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Place the lid back on the pumpkin.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, check the pumpkin. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil. The dip is done when bubbling and the pumpkin flesh is fork-tender.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Remove the lid, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions, and serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.

Notes

Use a sugar pumpkin, not a carving pumpkin, for best results. Leave half an inch of space at the top of the pumpkin to prevent overflow. Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with canned jackfruit. For individual servings, use small pie pumpkins and reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, pumpkin bread bowl, fall appetizer, game day dip, buffalo dip, pumpkin recipe, football food, comfort food

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-buffalo-chicken-dip-in-a-pumpkin-bread-bowl/