Irresistible Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso: Your Ultimate Fall Appetizer

The crisp autumn air has finally arrived, and with it, the undeniable urge to embrace all things fall – especially in the kitchen! As leaves begin to turn and cozy sweaters come out of storage, our palates naturally gravitate towards comforting, flavorful dishes. And what embodies the spirit of fall better than pumpkin? If you’re anything like us, the moment temperatures dip below 80 degrees, it’s a signal to start experimenting with all the delightful pumpkin recipes out there. This year, we’re taking a beloved classic and giving it a sensational seasonal twist with our Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso.

There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm, gooey dip, especially when shared with friends and family. This Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso is more than just a dip; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors, combining the rich creaminess of melted cheese with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the smoky heat of chipotle, and the savory kick of chorizo. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making those cooler evenings feel even cozier.

We all adore that satisfying ‘cheese pull’ moment, don’t we? That glorious stretch of melted goodness that signals pure indulgence. When it comes to the ultimate cheese pull experience, a big, bubbling skillet full of queso is hard to beat. And this particular queso elevates the experience by infusing it with seasonal pumpkin. The smoky and spicy notes from the chorizo perfectly complement and enhance the subtle pumpkin flavor, creating a harmonious balance that is utterly delicious. It’s an ideal appetizer for any fall gathering, truly shining during special occasions like Halloween parties or Thanksgiving feasts.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Queso Recipe

This Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso isn’t just another dip; it’s a game-changer for your fall entertaining menu. Here’s why it deserves a spot at your next gathering:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The combination of spicy chorizo, sweet pumpkin, smoky chipotle, and sharp cheddar creates a complex and addictive flavor. It’s a unique twist on traditional queso that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual Friday night, a lively game day get-together, a spooky Halloween party, or a heartwarming Thanksgiving appetizer, this queso fits right in. Its festive fall theme makes it versatile for a range of seasonal events.
Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this queso is surprisingly simple to make. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under 20 minutes, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests.
Warm & Comforting: As the weather gets cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dip to bring comfort. Served straight from the skillet, it stays warm longer and invites everyone to gather around.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant orange hue of the pumpkin, speckled with savory chorizo and creamy cheese, makes for a visually appealing dish that adds a splash of autumn color to your spread.

Other Cheesy Dip Recipes to Explore:

If you’re a fan of cheesy dips, you might also enjoy these delectable options:

Tear-Apart Sourdough Cheese Dip
Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip
Avocado Ricotta Tomato Pesto Layer Dip
Spicy Lasagna Dip

Essential Ingredients for Your Fall Queso

To create this incredibly delicious Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its rich flavor profile:

Unsalted Butter & All-Purpose Flour: These two staples form the base of our roux, which is essential for thickening the queso and ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, & Cayenne Pepper: This trio of spices adds depth and warmth. Garlic powder provides a savory foundation, smoked paprika contributes a beautiful color and a rich, smoky aroma, while cayenne pepper delivers a gentle, yet noticeable, kick of heat.
Vegetable Broth: Used as the liquid component of the queso, vegetable broth adds a savory dimension and helps achieve the perfect creamy texture. Chicken broth can also be used if preferred.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These are the stars of the “chipotle” in our queso. Chopped chipotle peppers, along with a bit of their adobo sauce, provide a distinctive smoky heat that is absolutely crucial for this recipe’s character. Adjust the amount based on your desired spice level.
Pumpkin Puree: The seasonal hero! Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) adds a subtle sweetness, a beautiful autumnal color, and a wonderfully creamy texture to the dip.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that classic queso taste and irresistible melt, sharp cheddar is our cheese of choice. Its robust flavor stands up well to the other strong ingredients. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Cooked Crumbled Chorizo: The “chorizo” in our title! This spicy, savory sausage brings a fantastic meaty texture and a bold, complex flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the pumpkin and chipotle. Make sure it’s cooked and crumbled before adding to the dip.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing all the robust flavors.

Recommended Equipment for the Best Queso

Making this Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso is a breeze with the right tools:

Cast Iron Skillet (9-inch or larger): Our top recommendation! A cast iron skillet is perfect because it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to table, keeping your queso warm and bubbly throughout your gathering. Its excellent heat retention is unmatched.
Large Saucepan: If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan will work just as well for preparing the dip. You can then transfer it to your favorite serving bowl.
Whisk: A good whisk is absolutely crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free queso. It helps thoroughly combine the butter and flour for the roux, and then effectively incorporates the broth and cheese. Trust us, a whisk is far superior to a wooden spoon for this task!
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping your chipotle peppers and any garnishes you might add.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso

Crafting this savory and festive queso is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a delicious result:

Step 1: Prepare the Roux Base

In your cast iron skillet or large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Using your whisk, stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will turn a beautiful golden color and develop a slightly nutty aroma, indicating that your roux is properly cooked. This step is crucial for thickening your queso and preventing a floury taste.

Step 2: Infuse with Spices and Liquids

To the roux, add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Continue to stir constantly for about 30 seconds. This short cooking time allows the spices to bloom and release their full aroma and flavor. Next, gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture begins to thicken and become smooth. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the chopped chipotle peppers (along with a bit of the adobo sauce for extra smoky flavor) and the pumpkin puree, whisking until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Finish with Cheese and Chorizo

Remove the skillet from the heat. This is important as adding cheese to boiling liquid can sometimes make it grainy. Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the cooked, crumbled chorizo. Keep stirring until all the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, luxurious dip. If you like, reserve a small amount of chorizo and some extra chopped chipotles to sprinkle on top for a delightful garnish and textural contrast. Taste the queso and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance all the wonderful flavors.

Serve your Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso immediately while it’s warm and wonderfully gooey. Place it directly in the center of your table with a variety of dippers for a truly inviting appetizer.

Tips for the Perfect Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso

Freshly Grate Your Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains starches that can make your queso grainy. Freshly grating your cheddar will result in a much smoother, creamier dip.
Don’t Overcook the Cheese: Once the cheese is added, remove the skillet from direct heat. Gently stir until just melted. Excessive heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily.
Adjust Spice Level: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce pack a punch. Start with the recommended amount and then add more to taste if you desire extra heat. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for more savory depth.
Keep it Warm: If serving for an extended period, you can keep the queso warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or over a very low flame on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your queso before serving. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more cayenne to perfectly suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Dip

This Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso is incredibly versatile when it comes to dippers. Here are some fantastic options:

Classic Tortilla Chips: The ultimate pairing, providing a satisfying crunch and perfect scoop.
Fritos or Corn Chips: Their sturdy nature and distinct flavor make them excellent for hearty scoops.
Crusty Bread or Baguette Slices: A great way to soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Pretzel Bites or Soft Pretzel Sticks: The saltiness of pretzels complements the rich queso beautifully.
Vegetable Sticks: For a fresher option, offer carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.
Miniature Bell Peppers: Halved and deseeded, these make perfect edible “bowls” for a scoop of queso.

Variations & Customizations

Feel free to get creative with your Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Add More Veggies: Sauté finely diced onion, bell peppers, or even a jalapeño along with the butter before adding flour for extra flavor and texture.
Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is excellent, try a blend of Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for more heat), or even a touch of cream cheese for added richness.
Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream or crema can elevate the presentation and add fresh flavors.
Protein Swap: If chorizo isn’t your preference, ground beef, shredded chicken, or even black beans can be used for a different twist.
Sweetness Boost: If your pumpkin puree is particularly mild, a tiny pinch of brown sugar or maple syrup can subtly enhance its sweetness without making it dessert-like.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While this queso is best enjoyed fresh, you might have leftovers! Here’s how to handle them:

Storage: Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the queso gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out as it can thicken considerably when chilled. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring well between each to ensure even heating and prevent separation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with both canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling) and homemade pumpkin puree. Use whichever is most convenient for you.

Is this Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted to your preference. The recipe calls for 4 chopped chipotle peppers, which provides a smoky and moderate spice. If you prefer it milder, start with 1-2 peppers and taste before adding more. For extra heat, include more chipotle peppers or a pinch of extra cayenne pepper.

What kind of chorizo should I use?

We recommend using Mexican chorizo for its rich, spicy, and often fatty qualities that render well and infuse the dip with flavor. Spanish chorizo can also be used, but it’s typically a firmer, cured sausage and might require different preparation or finely dicing.

Can I make this queso ahead of time?

You can prepare elements ahead of time, such as cooking and crumbling the chorizo. The queso itself is best made fresh to ensure the creamiest texture and optimal melt. If you do make it ahead, store it chilled and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid to loosen it up.

My queso is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

If your queso is too thick, gradually whisk in a little more vegetable broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try cooking it gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce, or make a very small additional roux (1 tsp butter + 1 tsp flour) in a separate pan, then whisk it into the queso.

Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso Recipe Card

This creamy queso dip is made a fall favorite with the addition of pumpkin, spicy chipotles, and chorizo. Perfect for entertaining!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 6

Cuisine: Fall

Category: Appetizer

Equipment

Wusthof Knife Set
3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set
French Wire Whisk
Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 9-Inch (or a large saucepan)

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked, crumbled chorizo (reserve a little for topping, if desired)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the flour and stir continuously, cooking until golden and lightly toasted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to allow the spices to bloom.
Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until fully incorporated and the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes. Add in the chopped chipotle peppers and pumpkin puree, whisking to combine thoroughly.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and cooked chorizo (reserving a small amount of chorizo and peppers for garnish, if desired) until the cheese has completely melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy warm with your favorite dippers!

There you have it – a truly spectacular fall appetizer that promises to be a highlight of your seasonal celebrations. This Chorizo Pumpkin Chipotle Queso is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the rich, comforting flavors of autumn with every delicious scoop. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable dip!