Queso Fundido means Melted Cheese in Spanish. This season when pumpkins are a plenty and there’s a definite chill in the air, try this Spicy Pumpkin Queso Fundido Bowl!
There’s something beautiful and magical about pumpkins, because as much as it represents Cinderella’s carriage from the first fairytale I probably read, it also becomes the crux of Halloween celebrations with Jack-o’-lanterns and more! So you cannot deny that in the hollow of a pumpkin there surely resides just a little bit of magic!
I grew up in a country where Halloween does not exist, but to me it was as real as any other celebration, thanks to the multitude of books and cartoons I kept company with! This time of the year, Scooby doo would always feature a villain with a Jack-o’-lantern head. Now, all grown-up and living in the U.S., I finally get to celebrate Halloween the way it was meant to – with horror and an overload of pumpkin deliciousness. But, having no prior experience carving out a pumpkin, I decided to start slow and carve out a bowl first.
First time at Pumpkin carving
It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be! I found that a sharp spoon was more effective than a fork (which is what most tutorials seem to suggest) to scoop out both the stringy gunk and the flesh. And to cut the top open, use a thin, small serrated knife instead of a large one. Sit the pumpkin and slide the knife at a 45° angle and keep sawing your way around in a straight line, and in a couple of turns you should be able to lift it off with ease.
The flesh you scooped out from the pumpkin, blend smooth with a little vegetable stock. Cook the puree with the rest of the ingredients till it forms a smooth, creamy mixture.
Pour the pumpkin+ cheese mixture into the scooped up pumpkin bowl and top with more cheese. This cheese on top will crust and crisp as it bakes. If you don’t want that, use all the cheese in the pumpkin mixture. Make sure you place a bowl of water in the oven while the pumpkin bakes.
Serve hot with tortilla chips, vegetables, bread and even fruit! Whatever catches your queso fancy! And watch your guests go gaga as you bring this gorgeous pumpkin bowl to the table!
Dunk away and enjoy this gorgeously golden and warm dip that’s just perfectly comforting for the cold weather outside!
When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here and will share it with pride on my social media feeds.
Amanda says
A fun appetizer for all those fall gatherings and parties. I love the pumpkin bowl.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Amanda! 🙂
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
I think that this has to be the best pumpkin recipe that I’ve seen this season! I want to dive straight in with a spoon!
Tina Dawson says
Awww thanks Helen!!!! Be my guest!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
What a fun and seasonal dip! I bet this would go down really well at parties!
Tina Dawson says
It absolutely will Dannii!! Thanks!
April J Harris says
Your Spicy Pumpkin Queso sounds amazing and I love the presentation in the little pumpkin! What a wonderful autumn recipe with lots of gorgeous flavours.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks April! It was extremely finger-licking good! 🙂
Platter Talk says
What a great post and pictures! Perfect food for this time of year. Thanks.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Dan!
Emily says
Oh my god this looks incredible this is exactly my type of food, LOVE IT! It’s on my list of things to try for sure.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks a lot Emily!!!! I hope you like it! 🙂