Description
A festive pumpkin-shaped cheese ball made with creamy cheeses and savory spices, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (+ extra for coating)
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans (for coating)
- 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for pumpkin stem)
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, form it into a ball, and wrap it tightly. Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the wrap and roll it in the crushed cheese crackers or chopped pecans until fully covered.
- Use twine or spaghetti noodles to gently press indents around the sides of the cheese ball to create ridges.
- Insert the pretzel rod or pepper stem into the top for a pumpkin look and garnish with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
- Allow to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
This cheese ball can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for about 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American