Print

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball Recipe

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties. Creamy and tangy with a hint of spicy ranch, it combines cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh vegetables, shaped and decorated to resemble a vibrant pumpkin. It’s easy to make ahead and a delightful centerpiece for your appetizer spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 8 ounce tub vegetable cream cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix (or regular ranch)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (green parts only, can use whites if desired)
  • 1 red pepper, finely diced (save the stem)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided use

Instructions

  1. Combine Cream Cheeses: Using an electric or stand mixer, blend together the softened 8 ounce block of cream cheese and the 8 ounce tub of vegetable cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix, the 3 sliced green onions, finely diced red pepper (reserving the stem for decoration), and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Prepare Plastic Wrap: Spread out a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface to make shaping easier.
  4. Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese onto the center of the plastic wrap to help the cheeseball hold its shape and add texture.
  5. Form Cheeseball: Place the cheese mixture on top of the cheddar cheese on the plastic wrap and shape it into a round ball, using the wrap to help mold it.
  6. Coat Cheeseball: Take the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and generously sprinkle it over the top and sides of the formed cheeseball, patting it gently to adhere.
  7. Wrap Cheeseball: Wrap the cheeseball tightly with two layers of cling wrap to keep it secure and prevent any cheese from escaping.
  8. Apply Rubber Bands: Place four large, wide rubber bands (or kitchen twine) around the cheeseball to create indentations resembling pumpkin ridges. Double wrap rubber bands if necessary to achieve the desired deep lines.
  9. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheeseball for a minimum of two hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and to help the pumpkin shape set firmly.
  10. Unwrap and Decorate: When ready to serve, carefully cut off the rubber bands and remove the cling wrap. Press the reserved red pepper stem gently into the top of the cheeseball to finish the pumpkin appearance.

Notes

  • Using two layers of cling wrap and securely applying rubber bands creates well-defined pumpkin ridges and prevents leakage.
  • Overnight chilling improves flavor and helps the shape hold better.
  • You can substitute regular ranch seasoning if spicy ranch is unavailable.
  • Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor contrast to the creamy cheeses.
  • Serve the cheeseball with crackers, veggie sticks, or bread slices for an easy appetizer.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheeseball, holiday appetizer, fall appetizer, cream cheese appetizer, ranch cheeseball, easy cheeseball recipe

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/pumpkin-shaped-cheeseball-recipe/