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This pumpkin cheese ball is the perfect savory appetizer for fall gatherings or holiday parties. Creamy and flavorful with a little kick from jalapeno and cumin, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Rolling it in crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips gives it a delightful crunch and a playful color that looks just like a little pumpkin on your snack table.
I first made this for a Halloween party and it was an instant hit. Now it’s a yearly tradition that guests always ask for again.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese at room temperature: provides a smooth, creamy base that mixes easily
- Shredded cheddar cheese: offers sharpness and depth, choose a good-quality cheese for best flavor
- Minced onion: brings mild sweetness and texture (fresh onion works best)
- Salsa: adds moisture and a subtle tang, use your favorite brand or homemade for a personalized touch
- Ground cumin: introduces warm earthiness; freshly ground cumin elevates the taste
- Minced jalapeno: delivers a mild heat; adjust amount according to your spice preference
- Crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips: creates a crunchy coating and vibrant orange hue to mimic a pumpkin
- Bell pepper stem: for decoration and a fun finishing touch
Instructions
- Scoop And Blend:
- Using a mixer, combine 16 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 3 tablespoons minced onion, 2 tablespoons salsa, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. The cream cheese should be soft enough to blend easily for a consistent texture.
- Shape The Pumpkin:
- Lay down a large piece of plastic wrap and scoop the cheese mixture on top. Use the wrap to carefully shape it into a 5 inch ball. Mold the surface gently to mimic the rounded shape of a pumpkin. Chilling the mixture will help it hold its shape.
- Chill The Cheese Ball:
- Place the wrapped pumpkin-shaped ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step firms up the cheese so it becomes easier to coat and serve. Chilling also allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Coat The Cheese Ball:
- Unwrap the chilled ball and roll it in crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips. Press the chips gently but firmly into the surface so the cheesy ball is evenly covered. This gives the ball that classic pumpkin orange look and adds a crunchy texture.
- Add The Stem:
- Press a bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball as a festive finishing touch. It looks just like a real pumpkin stem and adds charm to your presentation.
I love how the cumin and jalapeno add just enough warmth without overpowering the creamy cheese. One autumn, I made this cheese ball for a potluck, and someone asked if it was homemade or store-bought. That little compliment made all the extra prep worth it.
Storage Tips
Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cheddar cheese can be swapped for pepper jack or a smoky gouda to change the flavor profile slightly. If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeno or replace it with a small amount of sweet bell pepper. For a dairy-free option try a cream cheese alternative and vegan cheese shreds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks. It works wonderfully alongside a fall-themed charcuterie board or as a fun party centerpiece.
Enjoy serving this festive pumpkin cheese ball at your next gathering. It’s an easy, playful appetizer that always gets compliments.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
It uses room-temperature cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a creamy, tangy base.
- → How do you shape the mixture into a pumpkin ball?
After blending, the mixture is scooped onto plastic wrap and formed into a 5-inch ball, then chilled to firm.
- → What spices add flavor to the blend?
Ground cumin, minced onion, jalapeno, and salsa provide a balanced savory and slightly spicy depth.
- → How is the crunchy coating applied?
The chilled ball is rolled in crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips for a crispy outer layer.
- → What is used for the decorative stem?
A bell pepper stem is pressed into the top to mimic a pumpkin stem for a festive look.