Pumpkin Cheese Ball

September 24th, 2012

This was a fun idea that I picked up from Food Network Magazine.  Simply flavor cream cheese with shredded cheddar, salsa,  and nacho flavorings and then roll into a ball and refrigerate.

When it is firm, roll it in crushed nacho flavored chips to give it a pumpkin color.  The hardest part was finding a bell pepper stem to use on the top.  If you have peppers in your garden, this should not an issue, but my supermarket did not have a lot of pretty stems to choose from.  I was happy with the festive look anyway.

Happy Fall!

PUMPKIN CHEESE BALL

16 ounces room-temperature cream cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
3 tablespoons minced onion
2 tablespoons salsa
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno

Nacho-flavored tortilla chips, crushed
Bell pepper stem

With a mixer, blend the first 6 ingredients together.  Scoop into plastic wrap and use the wrap to form the mixture into a 5-inch pumpkin-shaped ball; chill at least 2 hours.  To serve, unwrap, roll in crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips and press a bell pepper stem into the top.

Printable recipe

13 responses to “Pumpkin Cheese Ball”

  1. What a fabulous idea Penny. Love that you’ve used the dark chips. This could be used all the way through fall and for Thanksgiving.

    I’ve Pinned it.
    Sam

  2. What a tasty idea! The dark chips are perfect for nesting the ball and tasting it as well.

    Best,
    Bonnie

  3. Balisha says:

    I needed an appetizer for the first weekend of Oct. and here it is. I love blogging…I get so many neat ideas while visiting. Thanks, Balisha

  4. Jane says:

    That is so cute! I love everything pumpkin.. this would be perfect for a fall party!

  5. Marcia says:

    How fun! I think I will make it for the boys on Sunday – football and food you know 🙂

  6. Love this idea! What a simple way to be festive. Also like the dark chips. Thanks for sharing the idea and recipe Penny.

  7. Barb Bobik says:

    Cute idea. I’ll have to remember it for Halloween! Thanks.

  8. marcia smith says:

    Blog looks great!!! Neat new look!!

  9. Karen says:

    Just discovered your blog through My Carolina Kitchen… LOVE IT!! Your recipes are wonderful… I plan to blog about your blog today on mine, if that’s OK with you. Your blog LOOK is terrific too… good work.

  10. Amy says:

    Is the minced onion fresh or dry?

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