Description
This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive, fall-inspired appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and seasonings, shaped into a pumpkin and coated with crunchy cheese cracker crumbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings or seasonal parties, it’s both visually charming and deliciously savory.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (finely grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Coating and Garnish
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers (such as Cheez-Its)
- 1 bell pepper stem
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cream cheese, softened butter, finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined into a uniform mixture.
- Shape Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly around the cheese, shaping it carefully into a round ball. Apply a second layer of plastic wrap around the ball to secure it.
- Create Pumpkin Look: Wrap two wide rubber bands tightly around the cheese ball on opposite sides. Add two additional rubber bands spaced evenly to create the characteristic ribbing of a pumpkin.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
- Coat with Crackers: Once chilled, gently remove the rubber bands and both layers of plastic wrap. Spread the crushed cheese crackers on a plate, then roll the cheese ball in the crumbs until fully coated for a crunchy exterior.
- Add Garnish and Serve: Press the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Serve immediately with additional crackers for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- This cheese ball combines a flavorful mix of cheeses and seasonings with a crunchy coating for texture contrast and visual appeal.
- Using the rubber bands creatively simulates pumpkin ridges to make the presentation festive and fun.
- Chilling time is essential for firm shaping and easier coating with cracker crumbs.
- Substitute the bell pepper stem with a fresh herb sprig or pretzel stick if desired for garnish.
- Serve with assorted crackers or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 234 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
