Only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make The Great Pumpkin Cheeseball. It's a perfect appetizer for fall parties or Halloween gatherings.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Total Time10 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dip, fall, holidays, spread
Servings: 32tablespoons
Calories: 45kcal
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Ingredients
8ouncesregular or ⅓-less fat cream cheeseroom temperature
8ounceshredded sharp cheddar cheese
4teaspoonsHidden Valley Spicy Ranch Mix
1bell pepper (stem)
Board extras: potato sticks, pretzels, crackers, raw vegetables, pumpkin candies
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and spicy ranch mix.
Mix with a hand mixer until well blended.
Transfer the cheese ball to a large piece of plastic wrap, wrap, and create a ball shape. Using 3 thick rubber bands, kitchen twine, or the edge or a wooden spoon or butter knife, create vertical grooves (pumpkin lines) around the pumpkin.
Pour potato sticks or chips in the center of a serving plate. Unwrap the cheeseball and place in the center of the chips.
Remove the stem from the green pepper. Place in the top of the cheese ball, resembling the stem of the pumpkin.
Add board extras around the cheeseball as desired.
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions for Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball
Pumpkin Stem Options: If you don't have a bell pepper stem on hand, another cute idea is a broccoli stem. A broken pretzel rod could also work.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends more easily, resulting in a smoother texture for your cheeseball.
Taste as You Go: While preparing the cheeseball mixture, taste it before finalizing the seasoning. Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning mix according to your taste preference. Some people prefer a stronger ranch flavor, while others prefer it milder.
Add Texture with Cheese: For added texture and color, consider rolling the cheeseball in shredded yellow cheddar cheese.
Add Texture with Nuts or Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos: For added texture, consider rolling the cheeseball in finely chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds or crushed tortilla chips. These will add a pleasant crunch and complement the creamy texture of the cheeseball. However, this is best if serving within 12 hours.
Experiment with Herbs: Besides parsley, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like green onion, chives, dill, or cilantro.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: If you don't have a packet of spicy ranch seasoning mix, you can also use a regular ranch mix.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix: Make your own mix by following my Homemade Ranch Seasoning recipe. Add cayenne or chipotle chili pepper if you want to add that spicy kick.
Cheese Variations: While yellow cheddar cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with other cheeses like white cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.