Description
Elevate your fall gatherings with the vibrant and delicious Pumpkin Cheese Ball. This delightful appetizer is not only visually striking, shaped like a pumpkin, but it also boasts a creamy, smoky, and tangy flavor profile that will impress your guests before they even take the first bite. Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy evenings at home, this make-ahead treat guarantees smiles and plenty of cracker-dipping moments. Simple to prepare and versatile in pairing options, this cheese ball can be served with an array of crackers, crisp vegetables, or even as part of a festive charcuterie board.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 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 garnish)
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in crushed crackers or chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Use twine or uncooked spaghetti to create ridges around the sides for texture.
- Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem on top for the pumpkin stem.
- Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving with crackers or veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg