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Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe

Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

This Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for fall gatherings and Halloween parties. Made with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a blend of spices, it’s shaped and decorated to resemble a charming pumpkin. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing snack that pairs wonderfully with crackers and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for dusting)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Decoration

  • 1 stem from a bell pepper (for the pumpkin “stem”)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Twine or rubber bands

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or chives until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  2. Shape Cheese Ball: Scoop the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and mold it roughly into a ball shape using your hands.
  3. Create Pumpkin Grooves: Wrap the plastic tightly around the cheese ball. Then, use several pieces of twine or rubber bands to create vertical indentations around the ball, mimicking the natural grooves of a pumpkin.
  4. Chill: Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 4 hours, or until it becomes firm enough to maintain its shape upon unwrapping.
  5. Unwrap and Dust: Carefully remove the twine or rubber bands and unwrap the plastic. Lightly dust the cheese ball with extra smoked paprika to enhance its orange hue and pumpkin-like appearance.
  6. Add Stem and Serve: Press the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to resemble the pumpkin stem. Serve immediately with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
  • Use plastic wrap tightly to maintain the pumpkin grooves more effectively while chilling.
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives are optional but add a nice burst of color and flavor.
  • This cheese ball can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Substitute cheddar with a smoke-flavored cheese or add a little grated Parmesan for extra depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, fall appetizer, holiday cheese ball, Halloween party food, cream cheese appetizer, no bake cheese ball

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