Description
This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball combines rich, creamy cheeses with a subtle kick of ranch seasoning and the sweetness of fresh red bell peppers. The fun pumpkin shape makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for fall festivities like Halloween and Thanksgiving.
With minimal effort and make-ahead convenience, this cheese ball is the perfect choice for entertaining. Serve it with crackers, vegetables, or a fresh baguette for a delicious appetizer that guests of all ages will love. Its vibrant orange hue and whimsical design will brighten any snack table!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz tub vegetable cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix (or regular ranch mix)
- 3 green onions, finely sliced (green parts preferred)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced (stem reserved)
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided use)
Instructions
- Finely chop the green onions and red bell pepper. Save the red pepper stem for garnish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and vegetable cream cheese using a stand or electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the ranch mix, green onions, and red bell pepper to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- On a large sheet of plastic wrap, sprinkle 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the cheese mixture on top and cover it with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in two layers of cling wrap.
- Use four large rubber bands (or kitchen twine) to wrap the ball, creating long indentations for a pumpkin shape.
- Refrigerate the wrapped ball for at least two hours, preferably overnight, to set the flavors and shape.
- Remove the rubber bands and cling wrap carefully. Add the reserved red pepper stem as the “pumpkin stem.”
- Serve with crackers, fresh veggies, or baguette slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes