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Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe

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3.9 from 13 reviews

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball recipe is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties. Made with creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar, seasoned with ranch mix, and shaped to resemble a pumpkin, this cheese ball adds a fun and delicious touch to any snack table. Optional coatings of crushed pecans or extra cheddar cheese give you the choice between a crunchy or cheesy exterior, while a bell pepper stem completes the pumpkin look.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

Optional Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded, optional)

Garnish

  • 1 bell pepper stem

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to come to room temperature to ensure smooth blending and better texture.
  2. Mix Cheese Ball: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the room temperature cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix until thoroughly blended into a uniform mixture.
  3. Shape Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Mold the cheese into a ball using the plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly and place 3-4 thick rubber bands around the wrapped cheese to create the ridges characteristic of a pumpkin shape. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld. This step can be done several days ahead.
  4. Apply Coating: Just before serving, coat the cheese ball for the desired pumpkin effect. For a brown pumpkin look, press crushed pecans evenly onto the surface of the cheese ball. For an orange pumpkin look, gently press finely shredded cheddar cheese onto the ball’s surface.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Insert the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to mimic a pumpkin’s stem. Serve the pumpkin cheese ball with crackers and sliced bell peppers for a festive and tasty appetizer.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese and cheddar cheese are properly softened for easy mixing.
  • The cheese ball can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which helps develop flavors.
  • Use rubber bands that are food-safe and ensure they are thick to create well-defined pumpkin ridges.
  • For a nut-free version, skip the pecans and use only the shredded cheddar cheese coating.
  • Serve with your favorite crackers, sliced bell peppers, or veggies for added crunch and color.

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