Pumpkin Cheese Ball
This festive pumpkin cheese ball is a delightful, creamy appetizer perfect for fall gatherings or Halloween parties. Featuring a blend of cream cheese, pumpkin, and spices, this eye-catching dish will be a hit with your guests. Serve it with an assortment of crackers and sliced vegetables for dipping.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or wooden spoon
- 1 plastic wrap
- 1 serving platter
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped or walnuts
- to garnish fresh parsley or chives optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to blend all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Once mixed, place the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or until firm).
- After the cheese ball has set, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap. Roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced vegetables, or fruit for dipping.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
This cheese ball can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.