Easy Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe for Fall Gatherings
Make this fun and festive pumpkin-shaped cheese ball for your next autumn gathering. It uses sharp cheddar and cream cheese for a savory flavor that is simple to prepare and looks great on any holiday spread.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small red or green bell pepper (for the stem)
- Serving suggestions: crackers, vegetable sticks
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until completely smooth and combined.
- Form the cheese mixture into a ball shape. You can use plastic wrap to help shape it evenly.
- Place the cheese ball on a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully coated.
- To create the pumpkin shape, take four pieces of kitchen twine or strong thread. Wrap them around the cheese ball vertically, spacing them evenly apart, to create ridges. Tie the ends of the twine tightly at the top and bottom.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to two days, to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
- Before serving, carefully remove the twine.
- Cut a small piece from the end of the bell pepper to create a short stem shape. Insert the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball.
- Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare this make-ahead party dip up to two days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- For a different look, roll the cheese ball in toasted, chopped pecans instead of cheddar cheese for the outer coating.
- If you want a slightly sweeter flavor profile, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the cheese mixture.
- This is a great potluck appetizer because it travels well when kept chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 50