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Easy Make-Ahead Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball

A festive pumpkin cheese ball covered entirely in shredded cheddar cheese with a green stem on top.
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Create this visually impressive, creamy Pumpkin Cheese Ball for your fall gatherings. It uses simple ingredients like cheddar and ranch seasoning and is perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or extra shredded cheddar for coating
  • 1 small orange or green bell pepper (for the stem)
  • Twine or kitchen string

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped green onion, and the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
  2. Shape the cheese mixture into a round ball. This will be the base of your pumpkin.
  3. Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or pecans, if using) on a plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the coating until it is completely covered.
  4. Take four pieces of twine, each about 12 inches long. Center the ball on a piece of plastic wrap. Tie the twine around the ball, spacing the strings evenly to create vertical pumpkin ridges. Pull the twine tight enough to indent the surface but not so tight that the ball breaks.
  5. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
  6. Before serving, remove the plastic wrap and twine. Cut the small bell pepper in half lengthwise, then cut a small piece from the top section to resemble a stem. Insert this pepper piece 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 spicier kick, add 1/4 cup of finely diced jalapeno to the cheese mixture.
  • Serve this festive cheese platter item with sturdy crackers, pretzel crisps, or sliced cucumbers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe-fall-appetizer/