Description
This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. Made with a mix of cream cheeses, ranch seasoning, green onions, red pepper, and sharp cheddar, it’s shaped like a pumpkin using rubber bands for an eye-catching presentation. The cheeseball is well-wrapped and chilled to develop its shape and flavor, then garnished with a red pepper stem for a charming finish. Serve with buttery crackers for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeseball Mixture
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounce tub vegetable cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix (or regular ranch)
- 3 green onions, sliced (green parts only, whites optional)
- 1 red pepper, finely diced (reserve the stem)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided use
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheeses: Using an electric or stand mixer, blend the 8 ounce block of softened cream cheese and the 8 ounce tub of vegetable cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix, sliced green onions, finely diced red pepper, and one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Plastic Wrap and Cheese: Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese onto it to prevent sticking.
- Form the Cheeseball: Place the cheese mixture on top of the sprinkled cheddar on the plastic wrap. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top and sides of the mixture. Wrap tightly with two layers of cling wrap to hold its shape.
- Create Pumpkin Shape with Rubber Bands: Secure the tightly wrapped cheeseball with four large, wide rubber bands spaced evenly around it. Double wrap rubber bands to create indentations resembling pumpkin ridges. This prevents the mixture from squeezing out and shapes the cheeseball into a pumpkin form.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheeseball for a minimum of two hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the shape to firm up.
- Unwrap and Garnish: When ready to serve, carefully cut and remove the rubber bands and cling wrap. Insert the reserved red pepper stem gently into the top to complete the pumpkin look.
- Serve: Present with your favorite buttery crackers for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- This Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball has a creamy, ranch-flavored filling with sharp cheddar that makes it irresistible and perfect for Thanksgiving or fall parties.
- The double wrapping with cling wrap and rubber bands is key to achieving the pumpkin shape without the mixture leaking out.
- For best flavor and shape, refrigerate overnight before serving.
- Use the green parts of green onions for best color, but whites can be included as well.
- Serve with buttery crackers or your choice of dippers for an easy party appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 787 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
