Pumpkin-shaped Cheese ball

This is the perfect fall party food. It’s easy to make. It’s loved by everyone (at least everyone with tastebuds). It’s only six ingredients. Did I mention it is super easy to make? So if you’re planning a game day watch party, tailgate or seasonal gathering, add this to the menu.

When I made this cheese ball to photograph for this post, my starving 3rd grader was stalking the cheese ball. I was afraid I wasn’t going to get a photo before he made a huge divot in the freshly shaped ball. Yes, he was a hungry kiddo, but it’s also that good. I highly recommend making this when you have a crowd to feed, otherwise you might find yourself staring at a half eaten ball and in need of your “fat pants.”

In fact if you have any leftover cheese ball, which I seriously doubt you will, but hypothetically let’s say you do. This mixture makes an insanely decadent grilled cheese sandwich. Yes, I had to test it. I wore my “fat pants” and promised to sweat like crazy in the yard and hit the gym…. it was worth it. I took a photo that I share at the bottom of this post— it’s of the grilled cheese… not my “fat pants.”

So here’s the ingredients:

1 8 0z. package of cream cheese
1 tub of garden vegetable cream cheese spread
2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 pkg. of ranch dip/ dressing mix ( I think the whole pkg. is just too much ranch.)
1 or more red or yellow banana pepper (These are from the garden, but you could also use a red or yellow bell pepper.)
fresh chives, diced (These are also from the vegetable garden. It’s so nice to add ingredients that you’ve grown.)

Directions:

Mix the cream cheeses and them add all the other ingredients. You could use a food processor, but I just use some muscle. I really hate the clean-up when using the processor.

After you’ve combined the ingredients thoroughly, form a ball and wrap the ball in saran wrap. Use rubber bands to form the pumpkin. Here’s a photo example.

After you’ve formed a pumpkin shape, place the cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or until your gathering. You can serve this with any cracker, but I recommend toasted baguette slices.

Optional: For a pumpkin stem, you can use crispy breadsticks like I did, twisted pretzels or even form a stalk out of dough and bake it.

He couldn’t wait another second!

Here’s a quick tip on making your own toasted baguette slices:

Slice up a a store bought baguette. I like to add a little melted butter and garlic powder. (I melt two to three tbsp. of salted butter and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder). Just brush this mixture on the slices.

Broil the slices in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes and serve warm.

So, as promised here’s a photo of the grilled cheese that I mentioned earlier. I highly recommend adding a couple of slices of bacon. This would be so good with a light, broth-based soup.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on other ways to make a really decadent, gourmet grilled cheese!