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Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Cheese Ball: Your Must-Have Autumn Appetizer

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful autumn appetizer perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Ball
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened, can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not spiced pie filling.
  • ½ cup Crushed Pineapple Must be well-drained to avoid a soggy mixture.
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Can replace with Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
  • ½ cup Dried Beef Can substitute with finely chopped prosciutto or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • ¼ cup Finely Chopped Onion Can use green onions for a milder flavor.
For Presentation
  • 1 piece Green Pepper Stem Used for decoration on top of the cheese ball.
For Serving
  • Crackers/Assorted Fresh Vegetables Serve alongside for a colorful platter.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • serving platter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of canned pumpkin, and ½ cup of well-drained crushed pineapple using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of finely chopped dried beef, and ¼ cup of finely chopped onion. Mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are well integrated.
  3. Use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape, ensuring it holds together well. Place the formed ball onto a large piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly.
  4. Use four pieces of kitchen string or rubber bands to create indentations on the cheese ball, then shape it into a pumpkin shape with your hands. Refrigerate and chill for at least 1 hour.
  5. Once chilled, carefully remove the wrapping and transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Ensure the pumpkin shape is maintained.
  6. Insert a green pepper stem at the top of the cheese ball to complete the pumpkin look.
  7. Serve the Pumpkin Cheese Ball with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Drain pineapple well to avoid a soggy cheese ball; allow the cheese ball to chill for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending.

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