Pumpkin Cheese Ball Magic Recipe
This Pumpkin Cheese Ball Magic recipe is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar create a creamy, tangy base, enhanced with smoky paprika and spices. Rolled in crunchy crackers or pecans and shaped with twine to resemble a pumpkin, it’s both delicious and visually charming. Serve with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing party starter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for coating)
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating & Garnish
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans (for coating)
- 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for the “pumpkin stem”)
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a firm ball, then wrap tightly with the plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up properly for shaping and coating.
- Coat and Shape: Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the wrap and roll it in crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans, pressing lightly so the coating adheres evenly. Use 3 to 4 pieces of twine or rubber bands to gently create pumpkin-like ridges around the ball. Remove the twine or bands after about one minute once the shape holds.
- Add Final Touches: Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to mimic a pumpkin stem. Optionally, garnish around the base with fresh parsley leaves. Serve the pumpkin cheese ball with crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and makes shaping easier.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika, but it will reduce the smoky flavor.
- For a nut-free option, use only crushed crackers for coating.
- Use a hand mixer to achieve the creamiest and fluffiest cheese base.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color but is optional.
Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, cheese appetizer, fall appetizer, party cheese ball, Thanksgiving appetizer
Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-magic-recipe/
