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Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball

Close-up of a pumpkin cheese ball with pretzel stem and stripes, on a wooden board.
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Create an eye-catching pumpkin-shaped cheese ball appetizer perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving. This cheddar-bacon flavored cheese ball is a make-ahead delight, ideal for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pretzel sticks or celery sticks for serving
  • Gluten-free crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded Gruyere cheese. Mix until well combined.
  2. Stir in the crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, chopped chives, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  3. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
  4. To create the pumpkin shape, use a knife or toothpick to score lines from the top to the bottom of the ball, resembling pumpkin segments.
  5. Insert a small piece of pretzel stick or a piece of celery into the top of the cheese ball to resemble a stem.
  6. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This make-ahead step allows the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve chilled with gluten-free crackers and pretzel sticks or celery sticks for dipping.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to combine the cheeses and other ingredients.
  • If you don’t have Gruyere, you can substitute with Swiss cheese.
  • Feel free to add other herbs or spices, such as smoked paprika or a pinch of nutmeg, to customize the flavor.
  • This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball/