Gouda Cheese Dip with Butternut Squash (VIDEO)

This Butternut Squash Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip recipe is a delicious fall appetizer served in a gourd with buttery seasoned pitas, perfect for fall holiday entertaining.

Cheese dips are one of my favorite things about holiday entertaining. If you like this gouda dip, you’ll want to check out my Smoky Cheese Ball, Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, and Red Wine Cranberry Cheese Log are all perfect for seasonal parties.

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Who’s thinking about Thanksgiving?!  If you are anything like me, each year you vow to make this Thanksgiving (or any holiday) easier than the last. Entertaining can be stressful, but running around the house taking care of things is not the way to enjoy the holiday……. you should be with your guests.   Whether you are entertaining a large family or a small intimate group, a holiday gathering should be enjoyed by guests AND the hostess!

As part of my ongoing partnership with Coca-Cola, I’ll be sharing some favorite holiday recipes, tips, and entertaining ideas in the coming weeks. Coca-Cola has always been a part of our family, from small celebrations to holidays and everything in between.  Whether it’s a cooler full of ice and cans, an ice bucket full of the iconic bottles, or a refrigerator stocked with both, a cold glass of Coke is always enjoyed at our family festivities.  This Thanksgiving will be no exception!

So let’s discuss this dip first. Talk about easy!  Not only is this Butternut Squash Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip recipe full of fall flavors, but it’s ridiculously easy to make. 

How To Make Smoked Gouda Dip

You start with some seasoned and roasted butternut squash, cooked until tender. You could even make enough roasted butternut squash for dinner and set aside about 1/2 a cup pureed for the dip.

Puree the squash with cream cheese, sage and a few other flavors then fold in smoked gouda – and get ready to have your socks knocked off! (full recipe below) 

How To Serve Smoked Gouda Dip

While I mixed up the dip, I toasted some pitas in the oven for 5 minutes.  When they came out I brushed on a little butter and topped with salt and pepper.  Served up with an icy cold Coca-Cola and you have the perfect fall appetizer for any size gathering……or just because 😉

Kick it up a notch and serve the Butternut Squash Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip in a small gourd.  Slice the top of a mini gourd off using a serrated knife and scoop out the seeds and flesh inside.  If your gourd doesn’t sit level, you can slice a little off the bottom to even it out.

Now, how about some fun holiday entertaining tips to make your gatherings fuss-free and incredibly memorable.

5 Tips for Fun and Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

PLAN AHEAD

Invite your guests early:   This will help you budget for food, beverages, time, chairs, dinnerware, and your nerves.

Choose your menu well in advance:  Plan out simple dishes. Go through traditional family recipes, cookbooks, or visit your favorite food blog or websites for ideas.  If choosing a potluck, make a list of what type of food you’d like guests to bring and let them know once they accept the invitation.  The last thing you want to be doing is stressing over what is going on in the kitchen while your guests are there.

Offer plenty of easy appetizers and finger foods. These can include veggie platters, dips, such as Butternut Squash Smoked Gouda Cheese dip, chips, and salsa, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, cocktail shrimp, etc. Line trays with colorful holiday foil and doilies.

SELF-SERVE DRINK BAR

Let your guests do the pouring. A drink bar stocked with plenty of ice-cold Coca-Cola is a great way to feel more like a guest at your own party.  Keep the bar out of the main flow of the party, to the side or in the corner of the main room.  Guests will go out of their way to get to the bar, and some will gather there.  For the Coca-Cola® bottles, remember to leave a bottle opener at the station and be sure to have lots of ice.

PLAY GREAT MUSIC

People naturally respond to music and it’s a great way to loosen up the mood and make people comfortable. Set the tone for your party by creating a playlist that’s ready to begin playing lightly in the background to create an inviting atmosphere as soon as the doorbell rings.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Always introduce other guests, use place cards, have small gifts for your guests, such as personalized Share a Coke bottles – personal little touches go a long way with party-goers.

REMEMBER TO RELAX

The holidays are all about relaxing, spending time with your family, cherish those around you and enjoying each other! 

Be flexible in your plans, life happens and unforeseen holiday challenges may arise. With a little planning though, your guests will enjoy your company and the holiday meal.

Don’t forget to give thanks for having loved ones near.

I hope this post inspired you to relax and have fun this Thanksgiving. Hop over to the Coca-Cola Pinterest Page for some more recipes, entertaining ideas and inspiration to help you pull off a fabulous Thanksgiving!

……. stay tuned for more ideas from me in the coming weeks.

What are your plans for this Thanksgiving?  Do you host?  Do you travel?  Who do you spend it with?

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Disclaimer: I have a working relationship with Coca-Cola as part of their team of lifestyle ambassadors. Coke has been a part of our family most of my life, as always, all views and opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the amazing brands that make TidyMom possible!