Note: This post for pumpkin goat cheese dip first appeared on November 10, 2011. The recipe has been updated slightly (to include a hot or cold option for serving – I’m partial to the warmed dip version!) and pictures retaken. Text below is mostly original (with a few updates). Hope you enjoy this great fall appetizer.

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Pumpkin goat cheese dip with caramelized onions can be served warmed or cold, it’s a great addition to your party spread and perfect for the holidays. Try it with crackers, sliced fall/winter fruits or vegetables!

There are so many things about this dip that are delicious on their own.

Goat cheese.

Pumpkin.

Cream cheese.

Caramelized onions.

In fact, a goat cheese package may have been licked in the making of this and a caramelized onion or ten two might have been taken straight from the pan.

How something can go from making you cry in it’s raw form to tasting like sweet candy when cooked is beyond me, but I’m not complaining.

I don’t advise making this ahead of time because it will sit there in the fridge torturously tempting your willpower.

Should you find yourself in this case though, butterfinger dough balls make an excellent distraction – this week’s dessert of choice.

It’s tangy, sweet and savory all at once and perfect for the upcoming holidays and all the parties that go along with this time of year.

Originally, I made this pumpkin goat cheese dip cold and it’s definitely great that way, no doubt about it.

I’d happily shovel crackers with the cold dip into my mouth and be quite content. In fact, that’s exactly what I do with this whipped goat cheese dip.

But, when I redid the pictures for this post, I thought back to this butternut squash goat cheese dip that I made last year and how delicious it was warmed through, especially this time of year in the colder weather.

That’s what gave me the idea to throw the pumpkin goat cheese dip in the oven for 10 minutes this time around and I’m absolutely in love with the results.

I mean, who doesn’t love a good hot dip right? This vegan spinach artichoke dip is the perfect example of that!

The recipe below includes both hot and cold options but if you have the time, I think those 10 extra minutes in the oven are well worth it!

Especially with a cool, crunchy apple as a dipper – love the contrast there!

If you have some pepitas on hand (which I always do because making pumpkin seed butter with them is something that happens almost weekly!), I love using them as a seasonally appropriate topping/garnish.

Love this pumpkin goat cheese dip recipe?

Here are more great holiday appetizers to feed a crowd!  pumpkin herb cheeseball | butternut squash pita nachos | cranberry cheddar sausage bites

And don’t forget dessert! Whipped pumpkin ricotta dip is like a seasonal twist on cannoli filling and it’s a wonderful addition to the dessert spread for any party.