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The Ultimate Make-Ahead Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball

A festive pumpkin cheese ball coated in shredded cheddar cheese, tied with twine, and topped with a pepper stem.
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Create this festive, pumpkin-shaped cheese ball for your fall gatherings. It uses simple ingredients, tastes savory, and is easy to prepare ahead of time to reduce stress when entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 pieces of kitchen twine or sturdy string
  • 1 small bell pepper (for the stem)
  • Crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, green onion, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until completely smooth and well combined.
  2. Divide the mixture in half. Shape one half into a large ball. Shape the second half into a slightly smaller ball. Place both balls on a sheet of plastic wrap.
  3. Place the smaller ball on top of the larger ball to form a pumpkin shape. Gently press them together.
  4. Roll the entire shape in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully coated.
  5. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Use the four pieces of kitchen twine to wrap around the cheese ball vertically, spacing them evenly to create deep grooves that mimic pumpkin ribs. Pull the twine snug but do not crush the shape.
  6. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, to allow it to firm up. This is the make-ahead step that simplifies your party day.
  7. Before serving, carefully remove the plastic wrap and twine. Cut the small bell pepper in half lengthwise, then cut one half into a small stem shape. Insert the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball.
  8. Arrange the pumpkin cheese ball on a serving platter surrounded by crackers or vegetables. Serve cold.

Notes

  • For a deeper orange color, you can mix 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (not pumpkin puree) into the cheese mixture, or roll the finished ball in paprika instead of cheddar cheese for the outer coating.
  • You can prepare this entire appetizer up to two days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before serving.
  • If you do not have a bell pepper, you can use a small piece of celery or a pretzel stick for the stem.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe-fall-appetizer/