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Best Jack-O-Lantern Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

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A creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip baked inside a hollowed-out sugar pumpkin, creating a festive and delicious centerpiece for any fall gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 3–4 pounds)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped celery

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Prepare the pumpkin: Wash the outside thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, cut a circle around the stem to remove the top. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy pulp.
  3. Carve the face: Using a paring knife, carve a simple jack-o-lantern face into one side of the pumpkin (e.g., triangles for eyes and a jagged smile).
  4. Make the dip filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Stir until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Fill the pumpkin: Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
  6. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  7. Place the lid back on the pumpkin.
  8. Bake: Place the filled pumpkin on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly and the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Check and tent if needed: Around the 35-minute mark, if the top or carved edges are browning too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
  10. Serve: Carefully transfer the pumpkin to a serving platter. Remove the lid and sprinkle with extra chopped green onions. Serve with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or veggie sticks.

Notes

Choose a sugar pumpkin (not a carving pumpkin) for best flavor and texture. Let cream cheese soften to room temperature for a smooth dip. Don’t overfill the pumpkin—leave 1/2 inch space. The pumpkin flesh is edible and adds sweetness. For a make-ahead option, prepare the dip filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, jack-o-lantern, pumpkin, fall appetizer, game day, Halloween, party dip

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/best-jack-o-lantern-buffalo-chicken-dip-recipe/