Description
A festive, flavorful cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin—perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties. Made with smoked gouda, cheddar, roasted peppers, and cozy spices.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese (softened) – 16 oz
Shredded Sharp Cheddar – 1 ½ cups
Shredded Smoked Gouda – 1 cup
Roasted Red Bell Pepper (chopped) – ½ cup
Green Onions, finely chopped – 3 stalks
Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp
Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – ¼ tsp
Salt & Black Pepper – To taste
Plastic Wrap – For shaping
Bell Pepper Stem (for decoration) – 1
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, gouda, peppers, scallions, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Mix until smooth.
2. Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and form into a rough ball.
3. Refrigerate for 60 minutes to firm. Once chilled, unwrap the ball and place on a flat surface.
4. Use cooking twine or the edge of a spoon to press grooves and shape like a pumpkin.
5. Top with a bell pepper stem and sprinkle with paprika or parsley if desired.
6. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggies.
Notes
Make ahead up to 2 days for better flavor. Let sit at room temp for 10–15 mins before serving.
Leftovers? Use in sandwiches, as a bagel spread, or stuff into mini savory pies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10th cheese ball
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, fall appetizer, smoked gouda dip