Description
This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar blend with warm spices and salsa, then coated in crunchy nacho-flavored tortilla chips to resemble a decorative pumpkin. A small bell pepper stem completes the look, making it a fun and tasty dish to serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Coating and Garnish
- 1 cup crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips
- 1 small bell pepper stem for the pumpkin top
- Crackers or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Combine Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well until thoroughly combined to create a smooth base.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced onion, salsa, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Cheese Ball: Using your hands, form the cheese mixture into a rough ball shape. If the mixture is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Coating: Spread the crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips on a large piece of plastic wrap. Roll the cheese ball in the crushed chips, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating all over the surface.
- Define Pumpkin Shape: Once coated, gently create ridges around the cheese ball with your fingers or a soft tool to mimic the sections of a pumpkin, giving it a more defined shape.
- Add Pumpkin Stem: Insert the small bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to resemble the stem of a pumpkin.
- Chill: Wrap the cheese ball thoroughly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Unwrap and serve the pumpkin cheese ball with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping, making a perfect party appetizer.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper.
- To make ahead, prepare and refrigerate the cheese ball overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips and crackers to accommodate gluten-free diets if needed.
- Keep the cheese ball well-wrapped in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.
