Description
Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a charming and delicious appetizer that captures the essence of autumn gatherings. Shaped like a festive pumpkin, this creamy cheese spread combines rich flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, making it an irresistible treat for Thanksgiving brunches, Halloween parties, or any fall celebration. The simple preparation process allows you to craft a stunning centerpiece with minimal effort, ensuring it will be a crowd-pleaser at your next event. Serve it with an array of crackers and fresh veggies for a delightful snacking experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 7.5 oz chive & onion cream cheese spread
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated, divided)
- 1 bell pepper stem (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, chive & onion spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Lay out cling wrap on the counter and sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar in the center.
- Scoop the cheese mixture over the shredded cheddar and cover with remaining cheddar.
- Wrap tightly in cling wrap and shape into a round ball using rubber bands to create a pumpkin shape.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Once chilled, remove from wrap and garnish with a bell pepper stem.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of the cheese ball (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 311mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
Keywords: Use freshly grated cheese for optimal flavor. Customize with herbs or spices like smoked paprika for added flair. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.