Introduction
Every Halloween party needs a good cheese ball, and this pumpkin-shaped version is always a huge hit. It’s surprisingly easy to sculpt the classic cheese ball mixture into a pumpkin shape, and rolling it in crushed cheesy snacks gives it the perfect orange color. It’s a fun, savory centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun: Looks just like a cute little pumpkin!
- Classic Cheese Ball Flavor: A crowd-pleasing blend of cheeses and seasonings.
- Easy to Shape: Simple to mold into the pumpkin form.
- Great Make-Ahead Appetizer: Can be made a day in advance.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings or cheese blend to your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor
- 1-2 cups crushed cheesy snack crackers (like Cheetos Puffs, Cheese Balls, or cheese crackers), finely crushed
- 1 small bell pepper stem or a thick pretzel rod for the pumpkin stem
- Crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and any optional add-ins (green onions or paprika).
- Mix everything together thoroughly using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until well combined and smooth.
- Scrape the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you form the mixture into a rough ball shape.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or up to overnight) until it is firm.
- Once firm, unwrap the cheese ball. Place the finely crushed cheesy snack crackers onto a large plate or shallow dish.
- Roll the cheese ball gently in the crushed crackers until it is completely coated in orange.
- Place the coated cheese ball onto your serving platter.
- Use your fingers or the back of a knife to gently press vertical indentations around the sides of the cheese ball to resemble the grooves of a pumpkin.
- Press the bell pepper stem or pretzel rod firmly into the top center of the cheese ball to create the pumpkin stem.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggies.
Tips
Crush the cheesy crackers very finely for the best coating – a food processor works great for this. If the cheese ball gets too soft while shaping or coating, pop it back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up again.