Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
Transform your appetizer game this fall with this delightful Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball, a festive and flavorful centerpiece for any gathering. This no-cook recipe combines creamy, savory perfection with softened cream cheese, sharp shredded cheddar, a hint of garlic and onion powders, and a touch of paprika for subtle spice. Wrapped and molded into an adorable pumpkin shape, it's chilled to perfection, then coated in a crunchy crust of crushed pretzels or crackers for a satisfying texture. The finishing touch: a bell pepper stem to create an impressively realistic pumpkin look! Ready in just 20 minutes of prep and perfect for parties, this playful dish pairs beautifully with crackers, fresh veggies, and more. Whether for a Halloween bash or Thanksgiving appetizer table, this crowd-pleasing cheese ball is as fun to eat as it is to display.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups crushed pretzels or crispy crackers
- 1 piece bell pepper stem
- 1 sheet plastic wrap
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Transfer the cheese mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap. Carefully shape the mixture into a rough ball using your hands.
Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap. Use your hands to further smooth and form the ball into a pumpkin shape.
To create the pumpkin ridges, take 4 to 5 long rubber bands (or kitchen twine) and wrap them around the wrapped cheese ball, spacing them evenly to mimic the sections of a pumpkin. Do not tighten too much. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
Just before serving, carefully remove the rubber bands (or twine) and plastic wrap from the cheese ball. Adjust the shape as needed.
Coat the outside of the cheese ball with crushed pretzels or crispy crackers, gently pressing them in to cover the entire surface.
Place the bell pepper stem at the top center of the cheese ball to resemble the pumpkin stem.
Transfer to a serving platter and serve with crackers, veggies, or additional pretzels on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3333 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 238.5 g | 306% | |
| Saturated Fat | 143.6 g | 718% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 742 mg | 247% | |
| Sodium | 7475 mg | 325% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.9 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.2 g | ||
| Protein | 101.2 g | 202% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2149 mg | 165% | |
| Iron | 12.8 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 1097 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
