Description
This pumpkin cheese ball is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, and Thanksgiving. Shaped like a pumpkin and made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, Cheddar, and spices, it’s a fun and flavorful party centerpiece. An SEO-optimized recipe highlighting keywords like ‘pumpkin cheese ball’, ‘holiday appetizer’, and ‘festive cheese ball’.
Ingredients
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon bottled hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups finely shredded yellow Cheddar cheese
1 stem from a bell pepper
Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cream cheese, hot pepper sauce, paprika, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese and process until finely chopped but still visible.
- On a large piece of plastic wrap, sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of the remaining shredded cheese into a 4-inch pile. Place a rounded scoop of the cheese mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the mound with the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Wrap the plastic wrap tightly around the mixture, shaping it into a ball. Use an additional piece if needed for a tight seal.
- Wrap 4 wide rubber bands around the cheese ball, spacing them evenly to create pumpkin-like indentations. Double wrap if deeper grooves are needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
- Before serving, remove rubber bands and plastic wrap. Press a bell pepper stem onto the top to create the pumpkin look.
- Serve with crackers.
Notes
- Sharp Cheddar gives bold flavor, but you can use Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for variation.
- For extra crunch, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts before wrapping.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for more depth.
- Make mini pumpkin cheese balls for individual servings.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and firmness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
