Festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball Delight
Elevate your Thanksgiving appetizer table with this delightful and visually striking Pumpkin Cheese Ball. Made with a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese, enhanced with the sweetness of pineapple preserves and the warmth of spices, this cheese ball not only tastes amazing but also serves as a charming centerpiece. Shaped like a pumpkin and adorned with a pretzel stick for a stem, it's sure to impress your guests and bring festive cheer to your celebrations.
18
Servings
133
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Cream cheese
1 package (8 ounces) (softened)
Solid-pack pumpkin
1/4 cup (none)
Pineapple preserves
1/4 cup (none)
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated, if possible)
Pretzel stick
1 (broken in half)
Assorted crackers
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, solid-pack pumpkin, pineapple preserves, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is firm enough to shape.
3
Once the cheese mixture is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and shape it into a large ball, then gently taper one end to create the pumpkin shape.
4
Using a knife, score vertical lines down the sides of the cheese ball to mimic the ridges on a real pumpkin.
5
Insert the broken pretzel stick into the top of the cheese ball to serve as the pumpkin stem.
6
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
7
Before serving, arrange an assortment of crackers around the pumpkin cheese ball on a serving platter.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
5g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball Delight?
It is a visually striking Thanksgiving appetizer made from a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese, shaped like a pumpkin and flavored with spices and pineapple preserves.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 18 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of the pumpkin cheese ball?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What are the main ingredients for this cheese ball?
The main ingredients include shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, solid-pack pumpkin, pineapple preserves, allspice, nutmeg, and a pretzel stick for the stem.
Does the recipe contain actual pumpkin?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of solid-pack pumpkin.
How do you give the cheese ball its pumpkin shape?
After shaping the mixture into a large ball, you gently taper one end and use a knife to score vertical lines down the sides to mimic pumpkin ridges.
What is used for the pumpkin stem?
A broken pretzel stick is inserted into the top of the cheese ball to serve as the stem.
How long should the mixture be refrigerated before shaping?
The mixture needs to be refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is firm enough to shape.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses ground allspice and ground nutmeg for warmth and flavor.
Is an electric mixer required for this recipe?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to beat the cheeses and other ingredients until smooth.
What should I serve with the pumpkin cheese ball?
It is best served with an assortment of crackers arranged around the platter.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What makes this cheese ball slightly sweet?
The addition of pineapple preserves provides a touch of sweetness to balance the savory cheeses.
Can I use freshly grated nutmeg?
Yes, the recipe suggests using freshly grated nutmeg if possible for better flavor.
Is the cream cheese used softened or cold?
The cream cheese should be softened before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
What category of food does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads and Appetizers.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 8 total ingredients including the crackers for serving.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a festive Thanksgiving centerpiece appetizer.
Should I cover the cheese ball after shaping it?
Yes, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
How do I create the vertical ridges?
Use a knife to gently score vertical lines down the sides of the shaped cheese ball.
What is the prep time for the initial mixture?
Mixing the ingredients is quick, but you must account for the 2-3 hours of chilling time.
Can I prepare this cheese ball a day ahead?
The instructions imply it can be refrigerated until ready to serve, making it suitable for advance prep.
How much cheddar cheese do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
What size cream cheese package is used?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese is required.
Is there any fiber or sugar data provided?
No, specific fiber and sugar values are not listed in the provided nutritional facts.
Does the recipe require any cooking?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that only requires mixing, shaping, and chilling.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include appetizer, cheese ball, thanksgiving, pumpkin, festive, spreads, party food, and thanksgiving appetizer.
How should the cheddar cheese be prepared?
The cheddar cheese should be shredded before being mixed with the other ingredients.