This Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is a sweet and savory appetizer that pairs creamy feta with canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt, honey, and thyme. It’s smooth, beautifully orange, and topped with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of honey for an elegant seasonal spread. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in, this dip is best served chilled with crusty bread or crackers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dip:
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8 oz block feta cheese (drained from brine)
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1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for less tartness)
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1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
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1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste, plus more for serving)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
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Freshly cracked black pepper
For Topping:
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Fresh thyme (or dried)
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Chopped raw or toasted walnuts (optional)
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Extra drizzle of honey
To Serve:
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Toasted crusty bread (like baguette or sourdough)
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Crackers
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Raw veggies (e.g. carrots, bell peppers)
Directions
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Add feta and Greek yogurt to a food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
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Add pumpkin puree, honey, thyme, and black pepper. Blend again until fully combined and smooth.
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Transfer dip to a bowl, cover, and chill for 30–60 minutes to firm up.
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When ready to serve, garnish with chopped walnuts, fresh thyme, extra honey, and more black pepper.
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Serve with bread, crackers, or raw vegetables.
Optional Serving Idea:
Turn it into crostini by spreading the dip on toasted baguette slices and topping with thyme, honey, and walnuts.
Nutrients (per serving, approx. based on 6 servings)
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Calories: ~180
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Protein: ~6g
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Fat: ~14g
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Carbohydrates: ~6g
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Sugar: ~4g
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Sodium: ~400mg
The Harmony of Feta and Pumpkin
Feta and pumpkin may seem like an unusual pairing at first glance, but they complement each other beautifully. Feta’s salty, tangy bite cuts through the natural sweetness and creaminess of pumpkin puree, creating a perfectly balanced base. The resulting dip is velvety and rich, with just enough tang to keep it interesting and enough sweetness to keep it mellow.
The canned pumpkin used here is unsweetened and pure, offering a smooth texture and subtle earthy flavor that binds everything together. Unlike heavily spiced pumpkin recipes, this dish lets the natural qualities of the pumpkin shine, enhanced rather than masked by the supporting ingredients.
This balance of sweet and savory is part of what makes the dip so versatile. It can be served in countless ways, from elegant crostini at a dinner party to casual cracker dips at a cozy get-together.
Creamy Texture Without the Guilt
One of the standout features of this dip is its luxurious texture. By blending feta cheese with Greek yogurt, you get a thick, smooth consistency that’s lighter than cream cheese-based dips but just as satisfying. Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess while also helping to mellow the saltiness of the feta.
Because this recipe uses full-fat Greek yogurt, the final texture is creamy without being runny, and it helps achieve that perfect whipped quality. The dip holds its shape well once chilled, making it easy to spread on bread or scoop up with crackers and veggies.
And unlike many cheese dips that can feel heavy, this one remains fresh and light, thanks to the yogurt and pumpkin combination.
Honey and Thyme: The Flavor Enhancers
Honey is the sweet thread that ties the dip together. Used sparingly in the base and again as a garnish, it adds a delicate sweetness that enhances the pumpkin’s natural sugars without making the dish feel like a dessert. It balances the salt and acidity of the feta and the tartness of the yogurt.
Thyme adds a subtle herbal note that gives the dip a savory complexity. Whether you choose to use dried or fresh, thyme brings an earthy, aromatic quality that works beautifully with pumpkin and feta. It also makes the dip feel unmistakably seasonal, invoking the herbs and flavors we associate with cooler weather and hearty dishes.
A touch of freshly cracked black pepper adds a gentle heat and rounds out the flavor, keeping the dip balanced and layered.
The Power of the Toppings
While the dip itself is delicious straight from the food processor, the toppings elevate it into something truly special. Chopped walnuts add crunch and richness, giving a nutty contrast to the smooth base. Toasted walnuts, in particular, bring out deep, roasted flavors that match the warmth of the pumpkin and thyme.
A drizzle of honey adds shine and extra sweetness, enhancing the dip’s appeal and making it even more inviting. Garnishing with fresh thyme leaves not only adds visual flair but reinforces the herbaceous notes inside the dip.
Together, these toppings transform a simple blend into a dish worthy of your holiday appetizer board or fall dinner party spread.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is as adaptable as it is flavorful. Its versatility makes it ideal for many different occasions and serving styles. Serve it chilled in a rustic bowl with a side of warm, toasted sourdough or sliced baguette. Crackers, pita chips, or flatbreads also work beautifully as dipping vehicles.
For a healthier option, offer sliced carrots, celery, or bell peppers alongside the dip. The freshness and crunch of the vegetables create a nice contrast with the dip’s creamy richness.
You can also use the dip as a spread for crostini. Toast thin slices of baguette, spread the dip generously on top, and finish with a sprinkle of walnuts, thyme, and honey. These crostini make perfect party bites or can serve as a sophisticated starter course for a fall dinner menu.
This dip also pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and vegetables. Serve it as a side condiment on a charcuterie board, or use it as a topping for grilled chicken, roasted squash, or lamb skewers.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Entertaining
Another reason to love this dip is its make-ahead friendliness. It holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days, which means you can prepare it in advance and have one less thing to worry about when hosting. The flavors actually deepen after a few hours of chilling, allowing the pumpkin, feta, and thyme to blend more fully.
Store the dip in an airtight container and add toppings just before serving for the best texture and presentation. If it thickens too much after chilling, you can stir in a tiny splash of olive oil or a bit more yogurt to loosen it slightly.
The ability to make this dish ahead makes it an excellent candidate for holiday menus, fall brunch spreads, or potluck contributions where transport and prep time matter.
Nutritional Benefits in Every Bite
Despite its decadent flavor, this dip offers some health-conscious benefits. Feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than many other cheeses and is rich in calcium and protein. Greek yogurt adds more protein and probiotics, supporting gut health and providing a lighter, fresher taste.
Pumpkin puree is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. Combined, these ingredients create a dip that is indulgent in flavor but grounded in wholesome ingredients.
Each serving offers a modest calorie count and a balanced profile of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs—making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy throughout the fall season.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is an inspired take on fall flavor that’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday snacking. Creamy feta meets sweet pumpkin, mellow yogurt, floral honey, and earthy thyme in a combination that feels as cozy as your favorite sweater and as festive as a harvest table.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a new way to enjoy seasonal ingredients, this dip offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, smooth and crunchy. Serve it with bread, crackers, or vegetables, or transform it into crostini for your next event. However you present it, this dip is bound to become a go-to recipe every autumn.
Rich in texture, simple in preparation, and full of vibrant flavor, Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is more than just an appetizer—it’s a celebration of the season in every bite.