Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball (Print-Friendly Version)

Creamy, smoky cheese shaped like a pumpkin, coated in crunchy chips and decorated with vibrant veggies.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 227 grams softened cream cheese
02 - 113 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
04 - 2 grams garlic powder
05 - 2 grams onion powder
06 - 2 grams smoked paprika
07 - 1 gram ground black pepper

→ Fresh Vegetables

08 - 30 grams finely chopped green onions
09 - 30 grams finely chopped red bell pepper

→ Coating and Decoration

10 - 60 grams crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips
11 - 1 broccoli stalk or large pretzel rod (for stem)

→ Serving Accompaniments

12 - Assorted crackers and vegetable sticks

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or electric mixer until smooth and lump-free.
02 - Gently fold in finely chopped green onions and red bell pepper to evenly distribute throughout the cheese mixture.
03 - Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the countertop. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center, gather edges, and twist tightly. Shape the wrapped mixture into a ball, molding gentle ridges to resemble a pumpkin.
04 - Chill the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 120 minutes to set the shape and enhance flavor fusion.
05 - Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips until fully coated, creating a textured surface reminiscent of pumpkin skin.
06 - Insert a cleaned broccoli stalk or pretzel rod into the top center of the ball to form the pumpkin’s stem, adjusting for balance and aesthetic appeal.
07 - Place the completed pumpkin-shaped cheese ball on a platter surrounded by assorted crackers and vegetable sticks. Serve immediately for optimal texture and presentation.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Chilling the cheese ball overnight intensifies flavors and improves firmness. If coating becomes soggy after refrigeration, re-roll in fresh crushed chips before serving.