Pumpkin Cheese Ball
A festive and savory pumpkin-shaped cheese ball perfect for fall gatherings, made with a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, and shaped into a pumpkin using rubber bands or kitchen twine.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 1 cheese ball (about 12 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bell pepper stem (for garnish)
- Plastic wrap and kitchen twine or rubber bands (for shaping)
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly, forming it into a ball shape.
- Wrap kitchen twine around the ball to create pumpkin-like ridges (or use rubber bands) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Remove the twine or bands and plastic wrap. Press a bell pepper stem into the top center of the ball to resemble a pumpkin stem.
- Serve with crackers, vegetables, or toasted bread slices.
Notes
- You can make the cheese ball a day ahead for better flavor.
- Substitute spices to match your preference.
- Use food-safe gloves when shaping if desired.
- Let the cheese ball sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, fall appetizer, Halloween party food, cream cheese ball, cheddar cheese ball