Festive Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball
This festive pumpkin cheese ball is a super impressive appetizer to enjoy this fall. While it looks like a pumpkin on the outside, on the inside, it's a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 132kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 7.5 oz herb cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp salsa
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper finely diced; keep the stem
- 1/2 medium onion finely diced
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese fresh grated, divided
- rubber bands or kitchen twine
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened classic cream cheese, herb cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the diced yellow bell pepper and onion. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes.8 oz cream cheese, 7.5 oz herb cream cheese, 2 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp parsley, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 medium onion
- Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap (or double wrap for added strength) on your counter. In the center, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- Place the cheese mixture over the cheddar on the plastic wrap. Now, sprinkle more of the shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist them to form a rough ball shape, ensuring it's tightly packed.
- Once you have a rough ball shape, place 4 thick rubber bands or kitchen twine around the plastic wrap to segment the cheese ball and give it a pumpkin-like appearance.rubber bands or kitchen twine
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up. If you are planning ahead, you can prepare this cheese ball several days in advance.
- Once chilled, carefully cut off the rubber bands or twine. Patch any bare spots on the cheese ball with the remaining grated cheese, if needed. Insert the bell pepper stem on top to mimic a pumpkin stem.
- Present your pumpkin cheese ball with a selection of crackers or sliced vegetables.
Notes
Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure easy mixing.
Double-Wrap: To hold the shape better, consider double-wrapping the cheese ball in plastic wrap.
Variations: Swap the herb cream cheese for spicy jalapeño cream cheese for an extra kick.
Storage: Always keep the cheese ball refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 50mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 508IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.04mg | Net Carbs: 2g