Description
A festive and savory pumpkin-shaped cheese ball perfect for fall gatherings and Halloween parties, made with a creamy blend of cheeses and spices, shaped to resemble a pumpkin with a bell pepper stem.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for dusting)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Garnish
- 1 bell pepper stem (from the top of a green or orange pepper)
- Plastic wrap
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chopped fresh chives if using. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Shape Cheese Ball: Scoop the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and roughly shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap to help it hold its shape.
- Create Pumpkin Indentations: Use kitchen twine to tie around the wrapped cheese ball like a package, securing it in four places so that it creates 6–8 pumpkin-like segments to mimic the ridges of a pumpkin.
- Chill: Place the wrapped and tied cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape when unwrapped.
- Finishing Touches: Once chilled, remove the twine and plastic wrap. Lightly dust the surface with additional smoked paprika to enhance the orange color. Press the bell pepper stem into the top center of the ball to resemble a pumpkin stem.
- Serve: Present the pumpkin cheese ball on a platter alongside crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños, bacon bits, or ranch seasoning to the cheese mixture.
- If kitchen twine is not available, shape the cheese ball by hand and use a butter knife to create pumpkin-style grooves manually.
- This appetizer is perfect for fall or Halloween parties and makes a charming centerpiece for your spread.
