Description
Create an eye-catching Pumpkin Cheese Ball that’s both creamy and delicious, perfect for fall gatherings! This delightful appetizer not only enhances your table with its stunning pumpkin shape but also captivates guests with its smoky and tangy flavors. Ideal for festive occasions like Halloween or Friendsgiving, this cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any gathering. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, you can impress your friends and family without the stress. Serve it alongside an array of crackers, vegetables, or pretzels for a fun and interactive snacking experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (+ extra for coating)
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans (for coating)
- 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for pumpkin stem)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and form it into a ball shape. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or overnight) to firm.
- Once chilled, roll the ball in crushed cheese crackers or chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Use twine or spaghetti to create ridges around the sides of the ball for a pumpkin effect.
- Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem into the top and optionally garnish with fresh parsley.
- Allow to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving with assorted dippers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 50g
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg