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Pumpkin Cheese Ball Magic

pumpkin cheese ball recipe
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This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is the ultimate fall appetizer! Creamy, tangy, and delightfully smoky, its shaped like a pumpkin and coated in a crunchy layer of crackers or pecans. Perfect for parties, Thanksgiving, or cozy gatherings, this make-ahead cheese ball is festive, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for coating)
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans (for coating)
  • 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for the pumpkin stem)
  • Fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Base:In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Shape and Chill:Transfer the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap, form it into a ball, and wrap tightly. Chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm.
  3. Coat and Shape:Roll the chilled cheese ball in crushed crackers or pecans, pressing gently to coat. Use 34 pieces of twine or rubber bands to create pumpkin-like ridges. Remove after a minute.
  4. Add Final Touches:Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem on top to form the pumpkin stem. Garnish with parsley leaves. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.

Nutrition

Find it online: http://ingredientidea.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe/