Baked Pumpkin Dip with Goat Cheese

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the upper third of the oven.

In a food processor, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, pumpkin purée, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Process until the mixture comes together completely and is lightly whipped, about 2 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides and base as necessary. The mixture will ball up in the food processor and eventually smooth itself out. If in doubt, process a little longer.

Taste and adjust as necessary—add another pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat, or another teaspoon or two of honey if you’d like it sweeter (we will drizzle it with more honey next, so the finished dip will be a little sweeter than you’re tasting now).

Transfer the dip to a small oven-safe baking dish with a 3- to 4-cup (1 quart) capacity. Spread it evenly across the base of the dish, leaving some texture on top. Drizzle it with 1 teaspoon of additional honey.

Bake the dip on the upper rack for 13 to 15 minutes, until the top is turning lightly golden in places and bubbling and puffed around the edges. Drizzle it with another teaspoon or two of honey, and let it cool for about 5 minutes (it’s hot). Serve with your desired accompaniments.