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Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe

Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

This delicious Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive, savory appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Made with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a blend of spices, this cheese ball is shaped and decorated to resemble a pumpkin, making it both tasty and visually appealing. Coated with crunchy cheese crackers or pecans and garnished with a pretzel rod as the stem, it’s an irresistible party treat to serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika, plus extra for coating
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Coating

  • 1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans

Garnish

  • 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for pumpkin stem)
  • Fresh parsley leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Shape & Chill: Scoop the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, form the mixture into a tight ball. Wrap securely and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up, though chilling overnight is recommended for best texture and flavor blending.
  3. Coat: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the ball in crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans until it is fully covered, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika over the surface for added color and flavor.
  4. Shape Pumpkin: Using kitchen twine or uncooked spaghetti noodles, gently press ridges around the sides of the cheese ball to mimic the natural grooves of a pumpkin. Carefully remove the twine or noodles to leave defined ridges.
  5. Add Stem: Insert a pretzel rod or a bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to serve as the pumpkin stem. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley leaves to add a pop of green color.
  6. Serve: Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Serve with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, or crisp vegetable slices for dipping.

Notes

  • Chilling the cheese ball overnight intensifies the flavors and helps it firm up for easier shaping and coating.
  • You can customize the coating by using chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, instead of cheese crackers.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cheese mixture.
  • This cheese ball can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
  • Use gluten-free crackers or nuts for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, cheese ball appetizer, fall appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer, party cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe/