Description
Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful Pumpkin Cheese Ball, a festive appetizer that captures the spirit of fall. Shaped like a pumpkin, this creamy cheese spread combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving brunches, or cozy fall get-togethers, this easy-to-make treat can be paired with an array of dippers, from crunchy crackers to fresh veggies. With just 15 minutes of preparation time and a chilling period for the perfect shape, this pumpkin-shaped delight is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Serve it alongside assorted snacks for a charming and inviting spread that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 7.5 oz container of chive & onion cream cheese spread
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated, divided)
- 1 stem from a bell pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chive & onion spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare a double layer of cling wrap on your counter; sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar on it.
- Spoon the cheese mixture onto the cheddar layer and cover with remaining shredded cheese.
- Wrap tightly in cling wrap to form a ball shape and secure with rubber bands to create the pumpkin shape.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. Once chilled, remove rubber bands and top with a bell pepper stem.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking involved
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 106
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or dill for added flavor. For added texture, consider mixing in finely chopped nuts. This recipe can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.