Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and shaped like a pumpkin, it adds a fun twist to your snack table. Easy to prepare and sure to impress guests!

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 7.5 oz container of chive & onion cream cheese spread
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated, divided)
• 1 stem from a bell pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Beat together the softened cream cheese, chive & onion cream cheese spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Place a double layer of cling wrap on the counter, long enough to wrap the cheese ball later.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded cheese onto the cling wrap where the bottom of the cheese ball will rest.
4. Step 4: Spoon the cheese mixture over the cheese on the cling wrap, then cover the top and sides of the mixture with the remaining shredded cheese, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Step 5: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in the cling wrap, pressing into a rounded pumpkin shape.
6. Step 6: Use thick rubber bands to double wrap around the cheese ball horizontally and vertically to create ridges, mimicking a pumpkin shape.
7. Step 7: Chill the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up. Once chilled, carefully remove the rubber bands.
8. Step 8: Top your pumpkin cheese ball with a bell pepper stem to complete the look. Serve with your favorite crackers and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
• Try using green onions instead of chive & onion cream cheese for a milder flavor.
• Substitute the bell pepper stem with a pretzel stick for an edible pumpkin stem alternative.

Storage

Store the pumpkin cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. If needed, refrigerate leftovers promptly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, this cheese ball can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with the pumpkin cheese ball?

It pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and creamy appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Combining softened cream cheese, chive & onion spread, and sharp cheddar, this cheese ball is shaped and decorated to resemble a pumpkin, making it both delicious and visually appealing. It’s simple to prepare and a great centerpiece for any party platter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ball Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 7.5 oz container of chive & onion cream cheese spread
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided
• ⅓ cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (for coating)

Decoration

• 1 stem from a bell pepper (for pumpkin stem)

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Instructions

1. Mix the Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, chive & onion cheese spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined and smooth.
2. Prepare the Wrapping Surface: Lay a double layer of cling wrap on the counter, making sure it’s long enough to completely wrap around the cheese ball.
3. Create the Cheese Bed: Sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar cheese onto the cling wrap where the bottom of the cheese ball will sit, this helps keep it from sticking and adds extra texture.
4. Form the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese mixture over the cheese bed, and then cover the top and sides with the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Wrap and Shape: Carefully wrap the cheese ball in the cling wrap and press to form a round ball shape.
6. Create Pumpkin Ridges: Use thick rubber bands to double wrap around the cheese ball to create pumpkin-like ridges. Gently press to help form the shape, referring to photos for guidance if available.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and hold its shape. After chilling, remove the rubber bands carefully.
8. Add Final Touch: Top the cheese ball with a bell pepper stem to resemble the pumpkin stem and serve chilled with your crackers of choice.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
• The rubber bands create the indentations for the pumpkin ridges, but do not apply too much pressure to avoid breaking the ball.
• Use a bell pepper stem for a safe, edible decoration that resembles a pumpkin stem.
• Serve the cheese ball with a variety of crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
• Keep the cheese ball refrigerated until just before serving to maintain its shape and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, cheese ball, fall appetizer, party appetizer, cream cheese ball, cheddar cheese ball, holiday appetizer, no baking appetizer