I agree, that is a bit of a dramatic headline but it’s true! I brought this cream cheese pumpkin ball to a birthday party this fall and people couldn’t stop commenting on it! It’s adorable and sure to cause a commotion at your next event.
The Ingredient List
I really appreciate this cream cheese ball because it’s relatively low ingredient and inexpensive. Here is what you’ll need:
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 1.5 cups orange shredded cheddar cheese (make sure you shred this yourself)
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Stem of a bell pepper
- Optional add ins such as: fresh or pickled jalapeno, fresh sliced scallions, crumbled bacon, diced peppers and onions, ranch seasoning, Craisins and orange zest (see notes for details)
How to Make This Delicious Cream Cheese Pumpkin Ball
Place the softened cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer along with one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Add in your seasonings and parmesan cheese.
Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Shape into a ball with your hands, this is a very messy process. You can use gloves, if you prefer.
Roll the ball in the rest of the shredded cheddar.
Tightly wrap in cling wrap.
Wrap the cling wrapped ball with kitchen twine 4x around tightly and evenly spaced.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Unwrap when ready to serve.
Place a bell pepper stem on top and serve with your favorite crackers!
FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE THANKSGIVING RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:
- 3 $20 Thanksgiving Menus! Mix and match or choose your favorite!
- What to do with your thanksgiving leftovers (save money by not wasting!)
- $20 Thanksgiving dinner from Walmart
MORE THANKSGIVING RECIPES TO TRY:
- A Twist On Oprah’s Million Dollar Deviled Eggs (Deviled eggs are a must in my house!)
- Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin (perfect for a smaller thanksgiving gathering)
- Sweet Potato Crunch (this is a great inexpensive casserole)
Cream Cheese Pumpkin
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
This adorable cheese ball is all the fall vibes. It’s easy to make and cute enough for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 1.5 cups orange shredded cheddar cheese (make sure you shred this yourself)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Stem of a bell pepper
- Optional add ins such as: fresh or pickled jalapeno, fresh sliced scallions, crumbled bacon, diced peppers and onions, ranch seasoning, Craisins and orange zest (see notes for details)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded cheddar in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add in spices and any add ins you’d like (see notes for ideas)
- Mix the spices in until well incorporated and use your hands to shape the cheese into a ball.
- Roll the ball around in the remaining shredded cheese. Cover well so the ball is completely orange.
- Wrap the ball tightly in plastic wrap.
- Use kitchen string and tie around the ball 4x equidistant from each other. This will create the pumpkin grooves.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but you can also do this overnight.
- Unwrap and add the bell pepper stem to the top to finish the pumpkin.
- Serve with your favorite cracker and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe makes a medium sized cheese pumpkin, if feeding a crowd feel free to double or tripple the recipe for an extra large pumpkin.
Add in ideas:
When I made mine I kept it mild for the kids with garlic powder and salt but the cheese can easily be elevated by adding any of these mix ins in the mixer:
fresh or pickled jalapeno, fresh sliced scallions, crumbled bacon, diced peppers and onions, ranch seasoning, Craisins and orange zest
Add as much as you like to taste and make it your own!
- Prep Time: 4 hours
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