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Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe

4.4 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Made with cream cheese, shredded cheddar-style cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, it is shaped and decorated to resemble a pumpkin using crushed spicy Doritos for a crunchy coating and a bell pepper stem for the pumpkin’s stem. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, chips, and fresh veggies for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball

  • 14 oz cream cheese (400 g), Violife or similar
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar-style cheese (80 g)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Coating and Garnish

  • 1 small bag chili heatwave Doritos or similar
  • 1 bell pepper stem (optional, as pumpkin stem)

Instructions

  1. Soften Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl and use an electric hand mixer to soften it until creamy.
  2. Add Shredded Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar-style cheese to the bowl and briefly mix until combined.
  3. Add Seasonings: Incorporate dried parsley, dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the mixture.
  4. Combine Thoroughly: Whip all ingredients together until the mixture is soft, smooth, and fully combined.
  5. Shape the Cheese Ball: Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and transfer the cheese mixture into it. Wrap tightly, then shape it into a firm ball with your hands.
  6. Create Pumpkin Shape: Secure 3 rubber bands around the shaped cheese ball to mimic the ridges of a pumpkin.
  7. Chill to Firm: Place the wrapped pumpkin ball in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  8. Prepare Dorito Coating: Place the Doritos into a freezer bag and crush them into small pieces and dust using a rolling pin.
  9. Coat the Cheese Ball: Carefully remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and place it on a serving dish. Press the crushed Dorito crumbs onto the entire surface of the ball to coat evenly.
  10. Add Pumpkin Stem: Press the bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball for a decorative pumpkin stem effect.
  11. Serve: Present the cheese ball with crackers, chips, and fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • Coating: Experiment with different coatings such as bagel seasoning, fresh herbs, black sesame seeds, or shredded cheese instead of Doritos.
  • Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before coating and serving.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve on a large platter surrounded by assorted crackers, crunchy pretzel bites, nacho chips, crisps, and breadsticks for variety.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds nice texture and flavor; best to keep it in.
  • Garnish Alternatives: Instead of bell pepper stem, use a small broccoli stalk or 1-2 sage leaves placed next to the stem to mimic pumpkin leaves.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of cheese ball
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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