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Easy Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe for Fall Gatherings

A festive pumpkin cheese ball appetizer covered in shredded orange and white cheese, decorated with pretzel sticks for ribs and pepper pieces for the stem.
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Make this visually appealing, pumpkin-shaped cheese ball for your next Halloween or Thanksgiving party. It is creamy, savory, and simple to prepare ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 small orange or red bell pepper (for the stem)
  • Twine or kitchen string

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, green onion, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  2. Shape the cheese mixture into a round ball. Place the ball onto a sheet of plastic wrap.
  3. Roll the ball in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully coated.
  4. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap. Use four pieces of twine or kitchen string to tie around the ball lengthwise and crosswise, creating deep indentations that resemble pumpkin ribs.
  5. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to two days, to allow the cheese ball to firm up and hold its shape.
  6. Before serving, carefully remove the twine. Cut the tip off the bell pepper to create a small, flat base, and insert it into the top center of the cheese ball to act as the pumpkin stem.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • You can prepare this make-ahead appetizer up to two days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.
  • For a different look, roll the coated cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds instead of cheddar cheese.
  • Serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer with sturdy crackers, pretzel crisps, or sliced cucumbers and carrots.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/easy-pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe-fall/