Description

This Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball is creamy, savory, and perfect for entertaining. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and flavorful seasonings, it’s molded into a festive pumpkin shape and decorated with a real pumpkin stem (or a bell pepper stem). It’s not only delicious but also a show-stopping centerpiece for your fall appetizer table. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear at your autumn party or Thanksgiving dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp cayenne (optional, for spice)
1 real pumpkin stem or green bell pepper stem (for decoration)
Crackers, pretzels, or veggies (for serving)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and cayenne until smooth.
Transfer mixture to plastic wrap and form into a ball. Wrap tightly.
Use rubber bands or kitchen twine to create pumpkin-like ridges while wrapped.
Chill for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Unwrap carefully, place stem on top, and adjust shape if needed.

Serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies.

Notes

Swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra flavor.

Roll in chopped nuts or extra herbs for texture.

Make ahead the night before for easy party prep.