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Easy Scary Pumpkin Deviled Ham Spread Recipe

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A quick and easy savory spread shaped like a spooky pumpkin, perfect for Halloween parties. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, ham, and pumpkin puree, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped or shredded
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh rosemary or parsley stems for decoration
  • Crackers or pretzel sticks for serving
  • Red bell pepper slice (optional, for scary face)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30 minutes before starting, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft but not melted.
  2. Prepare the ham: Finely chop ham or pulse in a food processor until almost a paste.
  3. Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth. Scrape down sides.
  4. Add the ham: Fold in chopped ham with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Chill the mixture: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to shape.
  6. Shape the pumpkin: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap. Spoon mixture onto center. Gather edges and twist to form a tight ball, then shape into a slightly flattened sphere (about 4-5 inches wide, 2-3 inches tall).
  7. Create the ridges: Use kitchen twine or a thin strip of plastic wrap to gently press 5-6 lines from top center to bottom, creating pumpkin ridges.
  8. Chill again: Place shaped pumpkin (still wrapped) in fridge for 30-60 minutes (or 20 minutes in freezer) to set ridges.
  9. Unwrap and decorate: Place pumpkin on serving platter. Insert rosemary or parsley stem for ‘stem’. Optionally carve a jack-o’-lantern face with a small knife and add red bell pepper pieces for mouth.
  10. Serve: Surround with crackers, pretzel sticks, cucumber rounds, or celery sticks. Serve immediately or keep chilled.

Notes

Chilling is crucial for shaping. Make ahead up to 2 days in advance. For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or minced jalapeño. For a vegetarian option, substitute ham with smoked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin deviled ham spread, Halloween appetizer, easy ham spread, pumpkin shaped spread, savory pumpkin recipe

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-scary-pumpkin-deviled-ham-spread-recipe/