Halloween is all about being as creative (and spooky!) as possible, and there’s no better way to entertain your guests than with a fun, eerie party snack. Enter the Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole, a playful twist on everyone’s favorite dip! Imagine a carved pumpkin, looking a little under the weather, “vomiting” fresh, bright green guacamole onto your snack table—gross, but deliciously festive.
Not only is this dish guaranteed to get laughs and attention, but it’s also simple to prepare. Plus, the rich creaminess of the homemade guacamole pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips, veggies, and any other dippers you want to add. The best part? It’s a light, healthy snack that everyone will enjoy before diving into those Halloween candies.
Whether you’re hosting a party for kids, adults, or a mix of both, this Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole will definitely be the star of the show—gross, spooky, and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Fun and Festive
This isn’t your typical party dip. The sight of a pumpkin seemingly “throwing up” guacamole is hilarious, gross, and perfect for setting a spooky mood at your Halloween party. It’s a dish that will have your guests taking photos before they dig in!
2. Easy to Make
You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. The guacamole comes together in just minutes, and the pumpkin carving is simple (even if you’re not a pumpkin-carving pro).
3. A Healthy Snack
Amid all the sugary treats, it’s nice to have a fresh and healthy option on the snack table. Avocados are packed with healthy fats, and the guacamole pairs beautifully with fresh veggies or whole-grain tortilla chips for a guilt-free snack.
4. Kid-Approved
Kids love gross and goofy Halloween food, and this dish delivers just that! The “throwing up” visual will be a hit with the little ones, while the mild and creamy guacamole will keep them coming back for more.
5. Versatile and Customizable
The guacamole recipe is simple and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Want to add a spicy kick? Toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer it extra creamy? Add some sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can make this dip your own!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes (including carving the pumpkin)
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Guacamole:
- 4 ripe avocados
- 1 small red onion (finely diced)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small tomato (diced, seeds removed)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 jalapeño (optional, finely chopped if you want some heat)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
For the Pumpkin:
- 1 small pumpkin (about the size of a volleyball, hollowed and cleaned)
- Carving tools (a sharp knife or pumpkin carving kit)
Why These Ingredients?
- Avocados: The star of the guacamole! Make sure they’re ripe for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Red Onion: Adds crunch and a sharp bite that balances the creaminess of the avocados.
- Tomato: Fresh tomato adds a bit of juiciness and sweetness to the dip.
- Cilantro: For that classic guacamole flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to leave it out or substitute with parsley.
- Lime Juice: Adds tang and helps keep the guacamole from browning too quickly.
- Jalapeño: Optional, but perfect if you want to add some spice to your guac.
- Pumpkin: The pumpkin is key for the spooky presentation. Make sure it’s small enough to fit on your serving tray but large enough to carve a “face.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Carve the Pumpkin
- Start by carving your pumpkin. Choose a small to medium-sized pumpkin (about the size of a volleyball), and cut off the top as you would for a jack-o’-lantern.
- Scoop out all the seeds and pulp to create a clean, hollow interior. Save the seeds to roast later, if you’d like!
- For the face, carve a simple, slightly distressed expression—think wide eyes and an open mouth for the “throwing up” effect. You want the mouth to be big enough for the guacamole to spill out naturally.
Pro Tip: If you’re not comfortable with detailed carving, you can simply cut a wide, oval mouth on the pumpkin and call it a day. The guacamole will do all the “acting” for you!
2. Make the Guacamole
- In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth but still chunky. You want the texture to be creamy, with some small avocado pieces left for a bit of bite.
- Add in the finely diced red onion, garlic, tomato, and cilantro. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Squeeze in the lime juice to brighten up the flavors and help keep the guacamole fresh. Stir again.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cumin (if using) to taste. If you like your guacamole with a little heat, toss in the chopped jalapeño.
- Give it a final mix, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pro Tip: For ultra-creamy guacamole, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt!
3. Set Up the “Throwing Up” Pumpkin
- Place the carved pumpkin at the edge of a large serving platter or tray, with its mouth facing outward.
- Spoon the guacamole out of the pumpkin’s mouth, letting it spill out onto the platter. You want it to look like the pumpkin is “throwing up” the guacamole, so don’t be shy—let the dip overflow!
4. Serve with Chips and Dippers
- Surround the guacamole on the platter with your dippers of choice. Tortilla chips are a classic, but you can also include sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, or even crackers for variety.
- If you want to keep the Halloween theme going, try serving with black tortilla chips for an extra spooky look!
5. Final Touches
- For a little extra gross factor, you can add “vomit” details like whole or sliced cherry tomatoes, small pieces of lettuce, or extra onion bits on top of the guacamole, so it looks like the pumpkin really indulged in too much party food.
- Garnish with a few lime wedges and cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
And you’re done! Your Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole is ready to serve—and gross out—in the best way possible.
How to Serve
Here are a few fun ways to serve your Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole:
- As the centerpiece: This guacamole dish will steal the show, so make it the centerpiece of your snack table! Place it right in the middle where everyone can see (and snap photos) before diving in.
- With themed dippers: If you want to stay on theme, serve with Halloween-themed tortilla chips (like bats or pumpkins) or veggies cut into spooky shapes.
- With a side of salsa: Serve some salsa alongside the guacamole for guests who like a variety of dips.
- On a black platter: Use a dark or Halloween-themed platter to enhance the spooky vibe.
Additional Tips
To make sure your Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Pick the Right Pumpkin
Go for a smaller pumpkin (about the size of a volleyball) to keep the focus on the guacamole. Too large, and the pumpkin might overwhelm the platter.
2. Use Ripe Avocados
For the best texture, make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe. They should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy.
3. Keep the Guacamole Fresh
Lime juice helps prevent the guacamole from turning brown, but if you’re preparing it ahead of time, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole to minimize exposure to air. This will keep it fresh until you’re ready to serve.
4. Make the Pumpkin Ahead
You can carve the pumpkin a day or two in advance to save time. Just store it in the fridge, wrapped in plastic, until you’re ready to use it.
5. Add Texture
If you want to make your guacamole more substantial, consider adding diced cucumbers or roasted corn for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun ways to change up your Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole:
1. Spicy Guacamole
Add an extra jalapeño or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the guacamole for some added heat. You can also mix in diced serrano peppers for an even spicier version.
2. Cheesy Guacamole
For a creamy, indulgent twist, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled
queso fresco into the guacamole.
3. Guacamole with Bacon
For a smoky, savory twist, fold in some crispy, crumbled turkey or beef bacon. The salty bacon complements the creaminess of the avocado perfectly.
4. Pico de Gallo Guacamole
Mix in some pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime) for a chunkier, more salsa-like guacamole.
Freezing and Storage
Storage: Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, press a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the guacamole before sealing the container.
Freezing: While avocados don’t freeze well on their own, guacamole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Special Equipment
- Pumpkin Carving Tools: A pumpkin carving kit can make it easier to create precise cuts for the face, but a sharp kitchen knife works just as well.
- Large Serving Platter: Use a big enough platter to allow space for both the pumpkin and the “thrown-up” guacamole.
FAQ Section
Can I make this guacamole ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the guacamole a few hours ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap (press the wrap directly onto the surface) and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
What kind of dippers should I serve with this guacamole?
Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but you can also serve fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber slices.
Can I use store-bought guacamole?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought guacamole works perfectly fine. Just transfer it to the pumpkin and serve.
What if I don’t want the guacamole to turn brown?
Lime juice is your best friend! It helps slow down the oxidation process that causes guacamole to brown. Also, covering the guacamole with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure works wonders.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got everything you need to make Throwing Up Pumpkin Guacamole, it’s time to get creative and have some fun with this spooky Halloween treat! Not only will it entertain your guests, but it’ll also satisfy their cravings for something savory and delicious.
Don’t forget to snap a picture before everyone dives in, and feel free to share your masterpiece on social media—tag me so I can see how your spooky pumpkin creation turned out!
PrintThrowing Up Pumpkin Guacamole
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Last weekend, I whipped up a fun and festive twist to one of my all-time favorite snacks—guacamole. But this wasn’t just any guac—it was Pumpkin Guacamole. Sounds strange, right? I thought so too at first! But trust me, it’s a game-changer. It’s perfect for fall, but honestly, my family gobbled it up so fast that I’m convinced we’ll be making it all year round. My kids, who usually turn up their noses at anything resembling a vegetable, actually asked for seconds. My partner? Let’s just say, we’ve found our new go-to dip for parties. It has the creaminess of traditional guacamole with a touch of sweet, nutty pumpkin that takes it to another level.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following fresh and flavorful ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, both work)
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for some heat)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a bit of extra warmth)
- Tortilla chips or veggie sticks for serving
Instructions
- Mash the avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Use a fork to mash until smooth, but leave a few chunks for texture.
- Add the pumpkin puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined. It gives the guac a creamy, subtly sweet note that blends perfectly with the avocados.
- Toss in the flavor boosters: Add the lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Give it a good stir and taste test. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve: Spoon the pumpkin guacamole into a bowl and serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- se ripe avocados: Soft, ripe avocados are key to getting that creamy texture. If your avocados aren’t ripe yet, place them in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two.
- Fresh lime juice: Always go for fresh lime juice rather than bottled—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Taste as you go: Everyone’s preferences vary, so keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right for you.
- Don’t overmix: Keep some chunks of avocado for that classic guacamole texture. Over-mixing can make it too smooth.
- Add toppings for texture: A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or pomegranate arils on top adds a nice contrast of textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150