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Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Crunchy Crackers and Bell Pepper Stem Recipe

4.6 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and buttery seasonings, it’s shaped into a pumpkin and coated with crunchy cheese cracker crumbs. Topped with a bell pepper stem to resemble a pumpkin’s stem, it’s both visually appealing and delicious, offering a perfect combination of savory flavors and creamy texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (finely grated)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Coating & Garnish

  • 1 cup crushed cheese crackers (such as Cheez-Its)
  • 1 bell pepper stem

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, place the softened cream cheese, softened butter, finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, uniform cheese blend.
  2. Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic tightly around the cheese mixture while shaping it into a round ball. Add a second layer of plastic wrap over the ball for extra firmness.
  3. Add Pumpkin Ribs: Stretch two wide rubber bands around opposite sides of the wrapped cheese ball to create indentations resembling pumpkin ribs. Add two more rubber bands evenly spaced to emphasize the ribbed shape, giving the cheese ball a pumpkin-like appearance.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least two hours to allow it to firm up and set in shape.
  5. Coat with Crumbs: Remove the rubber bands and unwrap the plastic wrap carefully. Place the crushed cheese crackers on a plate, then roll the cheese ball in the crumbs until fully coated, giving it a crunchy exterior.
  6. Add the Stem: Press the bell pepper stem gently into the top center of the cheese ball to mimic the appearance of a pumpkin stem.
  7. Serve: Arrange the pumpkin cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with additional crackers or vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • This pumpkin cheese ball blends creamy and sharp cheeses with aromatic spices, making it a seasonal crowd-pleaser.
  • Using rubber bands to create the pumpkin ribs is a simple trick to make it visually festive.
  • Crushed cheese crackers provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
  • The bell pepper stem adds a colorful, authentic pumpkin look and is edible.
  • Chilling time is essential to ensure the cheese ball firms up properly for easy slicing and serving.
  • Serve with various crackers, sliced vegetables, or bread for dipping options.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 225 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 234 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/pumpkin-shaped-cheese-ball-with-crunchy-crackers-and-bell-pepper-stem-recipe/