Name: Pumpkin Cheeseball: The Perfect Fall Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This forms the creamy base of the cheeseball, providing richness and a smooth texture.; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Gives the cheeseball its signature flavor and a vibrant orange hue. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a savory element that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.; 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a smooth consistency.; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses that warm, familiar fall flavor into the mix.; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.; Chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating): These provide a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.; Fresh parsley or green onion (for garnish): Adds a touch of color and gives the cheeseball its “pumpkin stem.”

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened: This forms the creamy base of the cheeseball, providing richness and a smooth texture.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Gives the cheeseball its signature flavor and a vibrant orange hue. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a savory element that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
1/4 cup powdered sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a smooth consistency.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses that warm, familiar fall flavor into the mix.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating): These provide a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
Fresh parsley or green onion (for garnish): Adds a touch of color and gives the cheeseball its “pumpkin stem.”

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Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or spatula, mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take just a couple of minutes!

2. Shape the Cheeseball

Once everything is mixed, it’s time to shape your cheeseball. Using your hands, scoop the mixture and form it into a ball. It may feel a bit sticky, but that’s perfectly normal. If you find it challenging to shape, you can refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes to firm it up slightly.

3. Chill

Wrap your shaped cheeseball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to coat in nuts later.

4. Coat with Nuts

Once the cheeseball is firm, remove it from the fridge and unwrap it. Place the chopped pecans or walnuts on a plate, and roll the cheeseball in the nuts, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

5. Garnish

Now for the fun part—garnishing! Transfer the cheeseball to a serving platter. Use fresh parsley or green onion to create a “stem” on top, giving it that classic pumpkin appearance. You can even add a few decorative leaves around it for an extra festive touch.

6. Serve with Dippers

The final step is to choose your dippers! Offer a variety such as crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or vegetable sticks. Each bite will be a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful goodness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 150 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g