Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly fall days. This unique chili blends creamy pumpkin with hearty ingredients like chicken sausage, white beans, and green chilies, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this chili is sure to impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and a crockpot to do the work, you can set it and forget it while enjoying your day.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and savory sausage creates a one-of-a-kind taste that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served alongside rice or cornbread, this chili adapts well to various serving styles.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans, veggies, and lean protein, this recipe offers a nutritious twist on traditional chili.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, everyone will love the creamy richness and delightful flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili smoothly, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help streamline your cooking process and ensure that everything comes together perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over hours without constant attention.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
• Knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 12 ounce package maple breakfast links
• 2 15oz cans great northern beans, drained
• 1 15oz can whole corn kernels, drained
• 1 4oz can diced green chilies
• 1 10oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (ro-tel)
• 1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken stock

For Seasoning

• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Creaminess

• 8 ounces plain cream cheese
• Green onion (for garnish)
• Cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for garnish)

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

First, using a knife carefully remove the casings from all of the maple breakfast links. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Crumble the maple breakfast links into the skillet and cook until brown and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add the cooked maple breakfast sausage to your slow cooker. Next, include the great northern beans, corn kernels, diced green chilies, diced tomatoes with chilies, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, ground cumin, chili powder, ground nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours. This long cooking time helps develop deep flavors throughout.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese Before Serving

About 20 to 30 minutes before serving time, it’s time to add the cream cheese. To make this easier to incorporate into the chili, cut the block of cream cheese into 6 to 8 chunks. Microwave until it reaches room temperature (30-60 seconds). Add it to the slow cooker and stir occasionally during the last 20-25 minutes of cooking until fully melted and incorporated.

Serve hot with garnishes like green onion, cheddar cheese, or sour cream for an extra touch of flavor!

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a warm and comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Top with Fresh Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp flavor that complements the chili perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, providing an extra layer of richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices in the chili.

Serve with Crunchy Extras

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a satisfying texture contrast and are perfect for dipping.
• Cornbread: Warm cornbread is a classic side that soaks up the chili’s flavors wonderfully.
• Pita Bread: Soft pita bread can be used to scoop up the chili, making each bite enjoyable.

Pair with Refreshing Beverages

• Lemonade: A glass of refreshing lemonade balances the spiciness of the chili.
• Herbal Iced Tea: A chilled herbal iced tea provides a light and soothing beverage option to accompany your meal.

How to Perfect Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Perfecting your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is all about enhancing its flavors and ensuring the best texture. Here are some tips to make your dish even better.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor profile of your chili.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preference—add more chili powder for heat or nutmeg for warmth.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring occasionally while cooking helps blend the flavors well and ensures even cooking.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can help deepen the flavors before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Serving side dishes alongside your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili enhances the meal experience. Here are some delicious options that pair well with chili.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into your creamy chili.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf offers a mild base that complements the richness of the pumpkin chili.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings color and nutrition to your table.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to hearty chili.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or vegetables make for a healthy side option.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs adds a nutritious touch alongside spicy chili.
7. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can offer a cool contrast, balancing out the warmth of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a crockpot for cooking is a great way to create delicious meals, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili.

• Not browning the sausage: Failing to brown the maple breakfast links first can result in a less flavorful chili. Always cook and crumble the sausage until browned before adding it to the crockpot.
• Ignoring ingredient order: Adding ingredients in the wrong order can affect the cooking process. Always layer your ingredients properly; start with liquids and finish with solid items for even cooking.
• Overfilling the crockpot: Overloading your crockpot can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure you don’t exceed the recommended fill line to allow steam circulation.
• Skipping the cream cheese step: Adding cream cheese too early can prevent it from melting properly into the chili. Wait until the last 20-30 minutes of cooking for best results.
• Failing to season adequately: Not adjusting spices can result in bland chili. Taste your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top as expansion occurs when freezing.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place chili in an oven-safe dish. Cover and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through, around 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili that may help clarify any doubts.

What is Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a hearty dish made with pumpkin puree, beans, corn, and flavored with spices. It’s creamy and perfect for chilly days.

Can I use other beans in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute great northern beans with other white beans like cannellini or navy beans based on your preference.

How do I customize my Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini or switch up the spices according to your taste. This recipe is very adaptable!

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the maple breakfast links with plant-based sausage or omit them entirely for a vegetarian version of this chili.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is not just comforting but also versatile enough for customization. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make it truly your own!

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Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a delightful and hearty dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This unique chili features creamy pumpkin puree combined with savory chicken sausage, wholesome white beans, and zesty green chilies. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. The beauty of this recipe lies in its easy preparation—simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll have a warm, satisfying bowl of chili that is both nutritious and delicious. Top it off with fresh garnishes like green onions and cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 12 ounce package chicken sausage
• 2 15oz cans great northern beans, drained
• 1 15oz can whole corn kernels, drained
• 1 4oz can diced green chilies
• 1 10oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces plain cream cheese
• Green onion (for garnish)
• Cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Remove casings from chicken sausage and brown in a skillet until fully cooked.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the browned sausage with great northern beans, corn, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, and spices. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours to meld flavors.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese cut into chunks; stir until melted.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate chopped bell peppers or zucchini. To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken sausage with plant-based options or omit entirely.