Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, plus more for coating
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick, for the stem
- 4-6 pieces kitchen twine (about 12 inches each)
- Crackers and veggie sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Mix. Beat the cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and chives until completely smooth.
- Chill. Scrape onto plastic wrap, shape roughly into a ball, and refrigerate 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.
- Shape the pumpkin. Lay 4-6 twine pieces in a star pattern on the counter. Set the cheese ball in the center, bring the twine up, and tie gently to create pumpkin segments. Don't pull too tight.
- Coat and set. Dust the whole ball with smoked paprika for pumpkin color. Refrigerate at least 1 hour so the ridges set.
- Finish. Snip and gently pull away the twine. Press a cinnamon stick into the top as the stem and serve with crackers.
🎃 Pumpkin pointers
Rub a drop of oil on the twine before wrapping and it slides off without tearing the ridges. Make it up to 2 days ahead — the flavor gets better as it melds. Set it out 30 minutes before serving; cheese ball that's too cold is hard to spread. A sweet version with pumpkin puree and cinnamon is lovely for dessert boards.
Common questions
What if I don't have kitchen twine?
Press the segments with the back of a butter knife, or wrap with unwaxed dental floss. Both leave clean pumpkin ridges.
Can I swap the cheddar?
Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or white cheddar all work. Keep one bold cheese so the flavor doesn't go bland.
Can I make a sweet pumpkin cheese ball?
Yes — swap the savory mix-ins for 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Roll in crushed graham crackers.
How long can it sit out at a party?
Two hours max at room temperature, per food-safety guidelines. Nestle the platter over ice for longer events.
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