Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball: Easy and Indulgent Fall Appetizer
This Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball is an easy and indulgent fall appetizer perfect for gatherings.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Plastic Wrap
- Twine or rubber bands
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus extra for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives optional
- 1 stem from a bell pepper for the pumpkin 'stem'
- Plastic wrap
- Twine or rubber bands
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and herbs until smooth and well mixed.
- Scoop mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape roughly into a ball.
- Wrap the plastic tightly around the cheese ball, then use several pieces of twine or rubber bands to create vertical indentations, mimicking pumpkin grooves.
- Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape.
- Remove the twine or bands and unwrap carefully.
- Lightly dust with extra smoked paprika for a deeper orange color.
- Press the bell pepper stem into the top to complete the pumpkin look.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggie sticks.
Notes
Make ahead: refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving for easier timing. For a deeper orange color, dust with a bit more smoked paprika or finely ground cheddar. If avoiding cayenne, omit it or use a pinch of chili powder for warmth. Use a sharp knife to carve the grooves after one or two firm chills to help hold the shape.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 80mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!