Description
These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for fall and Halloween gatherings. Creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar combine with roasted red peppers and green onions to create flavorful cheese balls, rolled in crunchy coatings and decorated to resemble pumpkins with pretzel stems and parsley leaves.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 packages (16 ounces total) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers (drained and patted dry)
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coatings and Garnishes
- Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- Paprika
- Black sesame seeds
- 20 pretzel sticks, halved
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- Assorted crackers for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, finely chopped roasted red peppers, green onions, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well with a wooden spoon until the mixture is evenly blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cheese mixture for about one hour to allow it to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Coatings: Place your selected coatings—crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, paprika, and black sesame seeds—each on separate small plates for rolling the cheese balls.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the chilled cheese mixture and roll each portion into a ball. Place the balls on a plate as you form them.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in one of the prepared coatings, making sure the exterior is evenly covered. Set aside the coated balls on a serving plate.
- Create the Pumpkin Look: Using a wooden skewer, gently press vertical marks around the sides and cross marks on top of each cheese ball to resemble the ridges of a pumpkin.
- Add Stems and Garnish: Insert half of a pretzel stick into the top center of each cheese ball to mimic a pumpkin stem. Attach a small leaf of fresh flat-leaf parsley next to the pretzel stick for a finishing touch.
- Chill Until Serving: Refrigerate the completed mini pumpkin cheese balls until ready to serve. Arrange with assorted crackers for a festive appetizer platter.
Notes
- These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are ideal for fall and Halloween celebrations, combining charm and flavor.
- Make sure the roasted red peppers are well drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the cheese balls.
- Use a wooden skewer gently to avoid breaking the cheese balls when creating pumpkin ridges.
- For best results, chill the cheese balls thoroughly before serving to maintain their shape.
- These cheese balls pair wonderfully with a variety of crackers and make an attractive addition to any appetizer spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheese ball
- Calories: 91 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 141 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 26 mg
