Description

This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheeseball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. Made with a blend of cream cheeses, spicy ranch seasoning, green onions, red pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese, it is shaped to resemble a pumpkin and served with buttery crackers. The cheese ball is wrapped tightly to achieve the pumpkin shape, chilled to develop flavor and firmness, and garnished with a red pepper stem for a festive touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese 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; can use whites if preferred)
1 red pepper, finely diced (save the stem for garnish)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided use

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Instructions

Mix the cheeses: Using an electric or stand mixer, combine the 8 ounce block of softened cream cheese and the 8 ounce tub of vegetable cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
Add seasoning and vegetables: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch mix, the 3 sliced green onions, the finely diced red pepper, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Prepare the plastic wrap base: Spread out a large sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese onto the plastic wrap. This cheese layer will help prevent sticking.
Form the cheeseball: Spoon the cheese mixture on top of the shredded cheddar cheese on the plastic wrap and shape into a round ball.
Coat the cheeseball: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese onto the top and sides of the cheese ball, pressing gently to adhere.
Wrap tightly: Wrap the cheeseball tightly with two layers of cling wrap to secure the coating and prevent leaks. Use four large and wide rubber bands (or kitchen twine) spaced evenly around the ball to create indentations that mimic pumpkin grooves. Double wrap each rubber band for deep grooves.
Chill and set: Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the cheese ball hold its pumpkin shape.
Final touches before serving: Remove the cheeseball from the fridge, cut off the rubber bands, and carefully remove the cling wrap. Insert the saved red pepper stem gently into the top center of the ball to resemble a pumpkin stem.
Serve: Present the pumpkin-shaped cheeseball with your favorite buttery crackers for dipping and spreading.

Notes

This cheeseball features a creamy, ranch-flavored filling covered with sharp cheddar for delicious flavor contrast.
The rubber bands create pumpkin ridges, enhancing the seasonal presentation.
For best flavor and shape, chill the cheeseball overnight.
Serve with buttery crackers to complement the creamy cheese mixture.
Perfect festive appetizer for Thanksgiving or fall gatherings.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 230 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 787 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 13 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg