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Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: Serves 12-15 1x

Description

This delightful Pumpkin Cheese Ball recipe transforms classic party cheese ball into a festive pumpkin shape, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations. Made with a creamy blend of room-temperature cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning, this cheese ball is formed into a pumpkin shape using plastic wrap and rubber bands. It can be adorned with crushed pecans for a rustic autumn look or topped with extra shredded cheddar for a vibrant orange pumpkin. The bell pepper stem adds a charming finishing touch, making this appetizer both visually appealing and delicious, ideal for serving with crackers and sliced bell peppers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks, room temperature)
  • 3 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, room temperature)
  • 1 oz ranch seasoning mix

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed pecans (optional, for brown pumpkin)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, finely shredded, for orange pumpkin)
  • 1 bell pepper stem (for pumpkin stem garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Ensure both the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix until fully incorporated and creamy.
  3. Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to mold the mixture into a round ball shape. Secure 3-4 thick rubber bands around the wrapped cheese ball to create the ridged pumpkin appearance.
  4. Chill the Cheese Ball: Refrigerate the shaped cheese ball for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld. This step can be done several days in advance.
  5. Apply the Toppings: Just before serving, choose your pumpkin finish: press crushed pecans into the cheese ball for a brown pumpkin look, or gently press finely shredded cheddar cheese into the surface for a bright orange pumpkin.
  6. Add the Pumpkin Stem: Insert the bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem and complete the decorative effect.
  7. Serve: Present the pumpkin cheese ball with crackers and sliced bell peppers for guests to enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese and cheddar are fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheese ball mixture.
  • Rubber bands are essential for creating the pumpkin ridges; use thick bands to hold shape firmly.
  • This cheese ball can be prepared 3-4 days in advance and kept refrigerated, making it great for party planning.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the crushed pecans and use only cheddar cheese for the topping.
  • The bell pepper stem should be washed thoroughly before use to ensure it’s clean and safe for garnishing.
  • Serve with a variety of crackers and fresh veggie sticks for a colorful appetizer platter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pumpkin cheese ball, fall appetizer, cheese ball recipe, party appetizer, ranch seasoning cheese ball, holiday appetizer

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Find it online: https://dishesbyharry.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe/