Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball:

• 16 oz (450g) Cream Cheese , softened at room temperature
• 2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese , freshly shredded
• 1/2 cup (115g) Real Bacon Bits or freshly cooked crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup Green Onions , thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a slight Kick of Intensity)
• Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper , to taste

For the Outer Coating & Stem:

• 1 cup Doritos, Nacho Cheese Chips , finely crushed (or extra shredded cheddar for a smoother texture)
• 1 Bell Pepper Stem (green, cut from the top of a fresh bell pepper)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, bacon bits, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Chef’s Tip: For the best texture, mix the cream cheese using a hand mixer on low speed before folding in the shredded cheese and herbs using a rubber spatula.

Step 2: Shape and Chill

1. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean flat surface.
2. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap.
3. Bring the corners of the wrap together and shape the cheese mixture into a round sphere/ball.
4. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) until firm.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Shape

1. Once the cheese ball has chilled and firm, wrap 4–5 rubber bands or pieces of butcher’s twine tightly around the wrapped cheese ball, crossing over the top to form vertical ridges like a pumpkin.
2. Return to the fridge for 15–20 minutes to set the indentations, then carefully remove the bands and plastic wrap.

Step 4: Coat and Garnish

1. Place the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos (or finely shredded cheddar) in a wide shallow bowl.
2. Gently roll the cheese ball in the coating until completely covered, pressing down lightly so the crumbs stick into the pumpkin grooves.
3. Place the cheese ball on your serving platter. Press the bell pepper stem into the top center to complete the pumpkin look!

Nutrition

Calories: 195 kcal — · Protein: 8 g 16% · Fat: 16 g 21% · Carbohydrates: 4 g 1% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 9 g 45% · Fiber: 0.5 g 2% · Sugar: 1.5 g — · Sodium: 340 mg 15%