Description
A adorable pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with sweet and savory flavors, featuring cream cheese, cheddar, and pumpkin spices. This eye-catching appetizer is perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or fall game day snacks.
Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese (2 bricks, room temperature)
2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds richness.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts flavour depth.
3 green onions (chopped): For a fresh crunch.
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper: A touch of spice.
5 slices of bacon (cooked until very crispy)
¾ cup toasted pecans: Toasting enhances their nutty flavour.
Stem from a mini pumpkin or bell pepper: For decoration.
Crackers or pretzels (for serving): To pair and scoop.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in cheddar, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, spices, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Shape mixture into a ball, then gently form ridges around sides using a butter knife to create pumpkin appearance.
- Mix crushed crackers with paprika in a shallow dish. Roll cheese ball in mixture to coat completely.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
- Before serving, insert bell pepper stem or pretzel stick at top. Add herb leaves as garnish.
- Serve with crackers, apple slices, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- For easier shaping: Wear food-safe gloves rubbed with oil
- Make ahead: Stores well refrigerated for 3 days (add garnish before serving)
- Spice adjustment: Reduce pumpkin pie spice for more savory flavor
- For nutty flavor: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans to coating
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg