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Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Cheese Ball: A Delicious Fall Festivity Favorite

Delight your guests with this Pumpkin Cheese Ball, a charming fall appetizer that offers creamy, savory goodness and festive presentation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Mixture
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened, can substitute with Neufchâtel for lighter option.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Can replace with reduced-fat cheddar.
  • ¼ cup Sour Cream Plain Greek yogurt could be a substitute.
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic may require adjustment.
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika Use regular paprika for a milder taste.
  • ½ tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be added, balance moisture carefully.
  • Salt & Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Coating
  • Crushed Cheese Crackers or Chopped Pecans Can substitute with any savory cracker or nut.
For the Presentation
  • Pretzel Rod or Bell Pepper Stem Choose based on availability for garnish.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • Plastic wrap
  • plate

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sharp cheddar, ¼ cup of sour cream, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
  2. Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a round ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  3. After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in crushed cheese crackers or chopped pecans to coat.
  4. Use twine or cooked spaghetti noodles to create ridges on the surface for a pumpkin look.
  5. Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem into the top center for the pumpkin 'stem'.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap securely and it can last up to 3 months. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before coating to ensure a crunchy texture.

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