Spicy Pumpkin Nacho Cheese Ball Delight
This Spicy Pumpkin Nacho Cheese Ball Delight is the perfect appetizer for your next gathering or game day! With a creamy base made from reduced-fat cream cheese, combined with the bold flavors of salsa, cumin, and jalapenos, this cheese ball brings a festive pumpkin twist to traditional nacho cheese dips. It's not only delicious but also visually appealing, decorated with crunchy tortilla chips and bell pepper for a pop of color. Easy to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
16
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (room temperature)
Salsa
3 tablespoons (prepared)
Ground Cumin
2 tablespoons (ground)
Minced Onions
3 tablespoons (fresh)
Minced Jalapeno
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips
as needed (for decoration and serving)
Bell Pepper
1 (for decoration and serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the room temperature cream cheese until smooth.
2
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, minced onions, salsa, ground cumin, and minced jalapeno. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap and gather the edges of the wrap to form a ball shape, sealing tightly.
4
Refrigerate the cheese ball for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
5
Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in crushed nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips until completely coated.
6
Insert the stem of a bell pepper into the top of the cheese ball for decoration.
7
Serve the cheese ball with extra pepper slices and tortilla chips for dipping, and enjoy the flavorful explosion with every bite!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Pumpkin Nacho Cheese Ball Delight?
It is a creamy, flavorful appetizer made with cream cheese, cheddar, salsa, and jalapenos, shaped and decorated to look like a festive pumpkin.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in the cheese ball base?
The base consists of room temperature cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and minced onions.
How much fat is in a serving of this cheese ball?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 7.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the Spicy Pumpkin Nacho Cheese Ball?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this cheese ball recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from the addition of minced jalapenos and salsa.
How long should the cheese ball be refrigerated?
The cheese ball needs to be refrigerated for about 1 hour to firm up properly.
What gives the cheese ball its pumpkin appearance?
The ball is coated in crushed orange nacho cheese tortilla chips and topped with a bell pepper stem to look like a pumpkin.
How much cumin is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground cumin.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You should use 3 tablespoons of prepared salsa.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for mixing?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature before blending with a hand mixer.
What type of cheese is mixed into the cream cheese?
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese are added to the mixture.
How do I shape the mixture into a ball?
Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap, gather the edges, and seal tightly to form a ball shape.
When do I apply the tortilla chip coating?
Apply the crushed nacho cheese tortilla chips after the cheese ball has finished chilling in the refrigerator.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve it with extra bell pepper slices and tortilla chips for dipping.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under 'High In Flavor and Festivity'.
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to blend the cream cheese until smooth.
What part of the bell pepper is used for decoration?
The stem of the bell pepper is inserted into the top of the cheese ball.
How much minced jalapeno is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fresh minced jalapeno.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided indicates the fiber content is null.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided indicates the sugar content is null.
What type of onions are used?
3 tablespoons of fresh minced onions are used.
Is this a good recipe for a holiday party?
Yes, its festive pumpkin shape makes it perfect for holidays and autumn gatherings.
What flavor of tortilla chips is recommended for the crust?
Nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips are recommended for both flavor and the orange color.
How do you ensure the cheese ball is smooth?
By blending the room temperature cream cheese first and then mixing the other ingredients until thoroughly combined.
What is the preparation style for the bell pepper?
The bell pepper is used both for its stem as a decoration and as sliced pieces for serving.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a perfect appetizer for game day gatherings.