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Ultimate Make-Ahead Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe

A festive, orange pumpkin cheese ball shaped appetizer topped with a realistic green stem.
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Make this easy, festive pumpkin-shaped cheese ball for your fall gatherings. It uses simple ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

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  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Pecan pieces or extra shredded cheese, for coating
  • Twine, for shaping
  • 1 small green bell pepper, for stem

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, green onion, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until completely smooth and combined.
  2. Form the cheese mixture into a ball shape.
  3. Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or pecans) on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the coating until it is completely covered.
  4. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Use four pieces of twine to wrap around the ball vertically and horizontally, pulling them snug to create the natural ridges of a pumpkin shape.
  5. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least one hour, or up to two days, to allow it to firm up and absorb the twine marks.
  6. Before serving, carefully remove the twine. Cut a small piece from the top of the bell pepper to create a short stem shape. Insert the bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball.
  7. Serve immediately with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • You can make this cheese ball up to two days ahead of time. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.
  • For a different flavor, substitute the ranch seasoning with smoked paprika or a small amount of pumpkin pie spice for a sweeter savory note.
  • If you do not have a bell pepper, you can use a small piece of pretzel rod or a celery stick for the stem.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe/