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Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball is a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving. Made with a ranch-style cream cheese filling mixed with green onions, red pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese, it's shaped like a festive pumpkin using red pepper as the stem. Served chilled with buttery crackers, this crowd-pleaser combines ease with a fun presentation.

Ingredients

Cheeseball Mixture

  • 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, or whites if preferred)
  • 1 red pepper, finely diced (save the stem)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided use)

Coating and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for coating)
  • 1 red pepper stem (for garnish)
  • Buttery crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine Cream Cheeses: Using an electric or stand mixer, beat together the softened 8-ounce block cream cheese and 8-ounce tub of vegetable cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Mix in Flavorings: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix, the sliced green onions, finely diced red pepper, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
  3. Prepare Surface: Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly onto the plastic wrap.
  4. Form the Cheeseball: Place the cheeseball mixture onto the cheddar-covered plastic wrap. Use the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle all over the top and sides of the cheeseball, then wrap it tightly with two layers of cling wrap to secure.
  5. Create Pumpkin Shape: Wrap four large, wide rubber bands tightly around the wrapped cheeseball in different directions to create the indentation lines that mimic a pumpkin's ridges. Double wrapping the rubber bands helps achieve deeper indentations and prevents the mixture from oozing out.
  6. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the wrapped cheeseball for at least two hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the shape firm up.
  7. Unwrap and Decorate: When ready to serve, remove the rubber bands and carefully unwrap the cling wrap. Gently insert the reserved red pepper stem into the top center of the cheeseball to complete the pumpkin look.
  8. Serve: Present the cheeseball with your favorite buttery crackers for guests to enjoy.

Notes

  • For best flavor and shape, chill the cheeseball overnight.
  • Double wrap the rubber bands to prevent cheese mixture from escaping and to create distinct pumpkin ridges.
  • You can use regular ranch seasoning if spicy ranch is not available.
  • Keep the cheeseball well wrapped until serving to maintain freshness and shape.
  • Feel free to use other shaped crackers or vegetable sticks for serving.

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