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Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 0m
  • Total Time: 2h 15m
  • Yield: 1 cheese ball, serves approximately 8-10 people
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This playful Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive appetizer perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and ranch dressing mix, it’s coated in crunchy nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips and decorated with pimientos and a bell pepper stem to resemble a charming pumpkin. Serve it with your favorite crackers for a delightful and visually fun snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup crushed nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pimientos
  • 1 stem from a bell pepper
  • Crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a uniform and creamy cheese blend.
  2. Shape the cheese ball: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a rough ball. Place it onto a piece of plastic wrap and roll it up, shaping and smoothing into a more defined, even ball shape for a neat presentation.
  3. Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and become easier to handle for the next steps.
  4. Unwrap the ball: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap it from the plastic wrap, keeping the shape intact.
  5. Coat with crushed chips: Roll the cheese ball in the crushed nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips until it is completely coated. Press chips gently into any exposed areas to ensure full coverage and added texture.
  6. Create pumpkin indentations: Use a finger or the back of a spoon to create vertical indentations around the cheese ball, mimicking the natural creases of a pumpkin for a festive look.
  7. Decorate with pimientos: Press the finely chopped pimientos into the creases created in the previous step, adding splashes of color and enhancing the pumpkin effect.
  8. Add the pumpkin stem: Top the cheese ball with a stem from a bell pepper to complete the pumpkin appearance, giving it an authentic and charming touch.
  9. Serve: Arrange the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball on a platter with crackers for dipping and enjoy this delicious and decorative appetizer with family and friends.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth blending.
  • Chilling the cheese ball well is crucial for firm shaping and handling.
  • You can substitute nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips with other flavored or plain crushed chips depending on taste preferences.
  • Use a bell pepper stem that is clean and fresh for the best look and food safety.
  • This cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until serving.

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Find it online: https://freshandtastyrecipes.com/pumpkin-shaped-cheese-ball-recipe/