Description
This delightful Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a perfect festive appetizer that combines creamy cheeses with savory seasonings, shaped into a charming pumpkin form. Ideal for holiday parties, it can be prepared ahead and served with crackers or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 7.5 oz chive & onion cream cheese spread
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- 1 stem from a bell pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, chive & onion cream cheese spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Set Up Cling Wrap Layer: Lay a sheet of cling wrap on your counter and evenly sprinkle â…“ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over it, creating the base layer for the cheese ball.
- Assemble Cheese Ball: Spoon the prepared cheese mixture over the cheddar on the cling wrap, spreading it evenly and then cover it completely with the remaining cheddar cheese to coat it thoroughly.
- Shape the Pumpkin: Wrap the cheese layers tightly using the cling wrap and secure with rubber bands or twist ties to help shape it into a rounded pumpkin form. Adjust the shape carefully for a smooth finish.
- Chill: Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, unwrap and place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Garnish with the bell pepper stem to resemble a pumpkin stem. Serve with crackers or veggie sticks as a festive appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth, easy-to-mix texture.
- For best results, freshly grate cheddar cheese yourself instead of pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents.
- The bell pepper stem adds a fun, decorative touch, but you can substitute with a fresh herb sprig if preferred.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor meld and firmness.
- This cheese ball can be prepared a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the fridge.
- Serve with your choice of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable slices.
