When I’m entertaining in the fall, I turn to appetizer recipes such as cranberry jalapeno dip, pumpkin dip, cranberry meatballs and this adorable pumpkin shaped cheese ball. You can never go wrong with a classic cheese ball recipe, but it’s also fun to create new ones based on the holidays. I serve this pumpkin cheese ball at my annual Halloween party and at Thanksgiving, and there are never any leftovers!
Pumpkin Cheese Ball Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need cream cheese, butter, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, cheese crackers and a bell pepper stem.
How Do You Make A Pumpkin Cheese Ball?
Place the cream cheese, butter, cheddar and spices in a bowl, then stir to thoroughly combine. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and place the cream cheese mixture on top. Form a squat ball to make the pumpkin shape, then wrap the ball up with the plastic wrap. Add a second layer of plastic wrap tightly over the ball. Next, wrap rubber bands around the cheeseball. This will make your ball look like a pumpkin with vertical grooves! Chill the ball in the fridge for at least two hours, then remove the plastic wrap and rubber bands. Coat the ball in cheese cracker crumbs, add the bell pepper pumpkin stem on top, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Appetizer
It’s important to grate your own cheese for this recipe. Choose a high quality sharp cheddar cheese, and grate it finely so that it incorporates nicely with the butter and cream cheese. I find that using wide, long rubber bands works best to make the ribs on your “pumpkin”. If you don’t have these rubber bands, you can also tie some kitchen twine tightly around the ball for a similar effect. Add a second layer of rubber bands for deeper ridges if you prefer that look. Cheese cracker crumbs make a fun orange and crunchy coating to complete our pumpkin look. Measure out two cups of whole cheese crackers, then pulse them in a food processor to get coarse crumbs. This should give you the correct amount of crumbs for the coating. Look for a bright green, shiny and firm pepper stem for the nicest presentation.
Flavor Variations
While I love this recipe as it is, you can change up some of the ingredients to make your own creation.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add up to 1/2 cup of extra ingredients to the cream cheese, cheddar and spices. Some great options include finely chopped pecans, minced celery, ranch seasonings, diced bell peppers, green onions, bacon, minced jalapeno or fresh dill. Coatings: Instead of cheese crackers, try coating your ball with crushed nacho cheese Doritos, cheese puff crumbs, or simply roll it in more finely grated cheddar cheese before you wrap it in plastic and add the rubber bands.
This pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is as delicious as it is adorable! Both kids and adults will love this party snack.
