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Easy Make-Ahead Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball (Savory Cheddar & Spice)

A bright orange pumpkin cheese ball shaped like a small pumpkin, sitting on a white plate.
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Create a visually impressive, savory cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin. This recipe uses sharp cheddar and cream cheese, perfect for your Halloween or Thanksgiving party centerpiece appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional coating)
  • 1 small orange or red bell pepper, for the stem
  • 4 pieces of kitchen twine or thin string

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, green onion, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
  2. Place the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use your hands to shape the mixture into a round ball.
  3. Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap, pressing gently to maintain a round shape. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to handle easily.
  4. While the cheese ball chills, prepare the stem. Cut a small piece from the bell pepper to resemble a short stem shape.
  5. Once firm, remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap.
  6. Wrap the four pieces of kitchen twine around the cheese ball vertically, spacing them evenly apart to create grooves that mimic pumpkin lines. Tie the twine ends together at the top.
  7. Roll the cheese ball in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely coated. If using nuts, roll the ball in nuts instead of or in addition to the cheese.
  8. Gently press the bell pepper stem piece into the top center of the cheese ball where the twine meets.
  9. Refrigerate the finished pumpkin cheese ball for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to set completely.
  10. Before serving, cut the twine away, leaving the indentations. Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • You can make this cheese ball up to 2 days ahead. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Add the twine and stem just before serving.
  • For a slightly orange hue, you can mix 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cheese mixture, though this recipe focuses on savory flavor and visual appeal.
  • Serve this crowd pleasing party food with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or sliced cucumbers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe-savory-fall-appetizer/