Festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball! Perfect for gatherings and celebrations, this creamy and savory cheese ball combines the rich, earthy notes of pumpkin with sharp cheddar cheese, savory dried beef, and a hint of sweetness from crushed pineapple. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also offers a burst of flavors that will keep your guests coming back for more. Ideal for spreading on your favorite crackers, this dish is sure to be a hit at any party!
12
Servings
120
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Canned Pumpkin
1/2 cup (or 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin)
Crushed Pineapple
8 ounces (well drained)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (none)
Dried Beef
2.5 ounces (finely chopped)
Onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Celery Leaves
to garnish (none)
Assorted Crackers
for serving (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2
Add the pumpkin and well-drained crushed pineapple to the mixing bowl, and continue to mix until well combined.
3
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped dried beef, and chopped onion, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Transfer the mixture to a clean workspace and shape it into a ball using your hands. Place the cheese ball on a serving platter.
5
Using a knife, gently score the sides of the cheese ball to create a pumpkin-like appearance. Adorn the top with celery leaves to create a charming 'stem'.
6
Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7
When serving, provide an assortment of crackers for guests to enjoy with the cheese ball.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
4g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball?
It is a savory and creamy appetizer that combines pumpkin, sharp cheddar, dried beef, and crushed pineapple, shaped to resemble a pumpkin for seasonal celebrations.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 12 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this cheese ball?
The main ingredients include cream cheese, canned or cooked pumpkin, crushed pineapple, shredded sharp cheddar, dried beef, onion, and celery leaves.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 120 calories per serving of the Festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving contains 7 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of cooked pumpkin as a substitute for canned pumpkin.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What type of cheddar cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the crushed pineapple?
The pineapple should be well drained before being added to the mixture.
What kind of meat is included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 2.5 ounces of finely chopped dried beef.
How much onion is added to the cheese ball?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion.
How do I give the cheese ball a pumpkin-like appearance?
Gently score the sides of the cheese ball with a knife to create ridges.
What should I use for the pumpkin stem?
Celery leaves are used as a garnish to create a charming 'stem' on top.
What is the best way to serve the cheese ball?
Serve the cheese ball on a platter accompanied by an assortment of crackers.
Should the cheese ball be chilled?
Yes, it should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe data indicates that the fiber content is negligible or null.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe information does not list a specific sugar count, though some may come from the pineapple.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Spreads and Appetizers.
Is the cream cheese used cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to thoroughly beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
When do I add the cheddar cheese?
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese after the cream cheese, pumpkin, and pineapple are well combined.
How much crushed pineapple is needed?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce container of well-drained crushed pineapple.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for fall recipes, holiday gatherings, and parties.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients including the garnish and crackers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it should be refrigerated until serving, making it a great make-ahead party snack.
What provides the savory flavor in this spread?
The savory notes come from the sharp cheddar cheese, dried beef, and chopped onion.
Is the dried beef cooked or raw?
The recipe uses 2.5 ounces of dried beef, which is finely chopped and mixed directly into the cheese.
What tools do I need for the decoration?
You only need a knife for scoring the sides and your hands to shape the ball.