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Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball: The Ultimate Fall Appetizer

A beautifully shaped pumpkin cheese ball coated in orange crumbs, sitting on a countertop near a window.
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Make this stunning, pumpkin-shaped cheese ball for your next gathering. It is creamy, savory, and easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a perfect centerpiece for Halloween or Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, ranch seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until completely smooth and combined.
  2. Place the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Shape the mixture into a round ball, resembling a pumpkin shape.
  3. Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to handle. This step is key for make-ahead preparation.
  4. Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball. Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the remaining cheddar until it is fully coated.
  5. Take four pieces of twine, each about 12 inches long. Gently press the twine down the sides of the cheese ball at evenly spaced intervals to create vertical grooves, mimicking the look of a pumpkin. Do not press so hard that the ball breaks.
  6. Refrigerate the shaped cheese ball for another 30 minutes to set the twine marks.
  7. While chilling, cut the top off the bell pepper. Cut a small, short piece from the top section to serve as the pumpkin stem.
  8. Carefully remove the twine from the cheese ball. Place the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • You can substitute some of the cheddar with smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
  • For a festive coating, try rolling the ball in paprika or crushed pecans instead of all cheese.
  • This is a great make-ahead appetizer; prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.
  • Serve with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery sticks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe-showstopper-appetizer/