Easy Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Fall entertaining is upon us and delicious comfort food is the perfect addition to any gathering. This cheese ball, made to look like a small pumpkin, will get everyone excited. Plus, it’s truly one of the easiest things to make and you can even prepare it ahead of time and whip it out when guests arrive. I also bought a variety of tortillas which I made into “leaf chips” by using a leaf cookie cutter to cut out the leaf shapes. Then I sprayed the chips with cooking spray (or you can brush them with olive oil), salt them, and bake them in 400 degree oven, about 5-7 minutes or until crisp. Lastly, leave them out for a day… they’ll get even more crispy and be perfect for the day of the party! So, without further delay… here’s the recipe!
INGREDIENTS
2 (8 oz) Packages of Cream Cheese (you can use fat free cream cheese for a “guilt free” delight!)
1 packet of Onion Soup Mix or Ranch Dressing mix
2 tsp of Paprika (I usually do this just for color for the outside of the pumpkin)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (this is optional… I add this for interest and to give the pumpkin that orange color)
For a pumpkin stalk, you can use a broccoli, green bell pepper or a celery stem. I used the stem from a real pumpkin which I cut out and washed. It was more authentic!
Chips, crackers, or toast
PREPARATION
In a medium bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix the dressing or soup mix and cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Spoon the mixture into a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate until firm… the longer the better. I would make this a day or two ahead of time. Carefully remove the seran wrap.
Place the stem on top and put on a serving platter. Surround the pumpkin cheese ball with chips, crackers, veggies, or fruit. For an extra touch, you can also roll the ball in crushed nuts.
