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