Description
A festive and delicious pumpkin-shaped cheese ball perfect for fall gatherings and Halloween parties. This savory appetizer is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Orange food coloring (optional, for a deeper pumpkin color)
- Pretzel sticks or a small piece of celery for the stem
- Crackers or assorted dippers
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans (if using), fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- If you desire a more vibrant pumpkin color, add a few drops of orange food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a round ball, resembling a pumpkin.
- For the stem, insert a pretzel stick or a small piece of celery into the top of the cheese ball.
- You can add lines to the “pumpkin” by gently pressing a butter knife around the ball, creating segments.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Serve with your favorite crackers or dippers.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to combine the cheeses and cream cheese.
- Experiment with different herbs like chives or dill for added flavor.
- Consider rolling the cheese ball in chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg