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Perfect Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe with Herb Coating and Pretzel Stem

pumpkin-shaped cheese ball - featured image
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A festive and crowd-pleasing pumpkin-shaped cheese ball coated with fresh herbs and topped with a crunchy pretzel stem, perfect for fall parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (3 g) fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • Pinch of dried rosemary (optional)
  • 1 large pretzel rod or several small pretzel sticks

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Mix with a hand mixer on low speed or stir vigorously with a spoon until well combined (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Finely chop parsley, chives, and thyme on a cutting board.
  5. Lay out plastic wrap or parchment paper. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and gather edges to form a rough ball. Press gently and shape into a slightly flattened, rounded pumpkin shape. Chill in the fridge for at least 45 minutes.
  6. Pour chopped herbs onto a plate. Remove cheese ball from fridge, unwrap, and roll gently on herbs to coat evenly.
  7. Insert a large pretzel rod or several smaller pretzel sticks into the top center of the cheese ball to mimic a pumpkin stem. If cheese is too soft, chill for an additional 15 minutes before adding.
  8. Place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Serve at room temperature with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Chill the cheese ball well before coating with herbs to ensure they stick. Wet hands lightly with cold water if cheese is sticky when shaping. Use sturdy pretzel rods for the stem to prevent wobbling. Can substitute pretzel stem with celery or carrot sticks for gluten-free option. Variations include adding bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or using vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, fall appetizer, herb cheese ball, pretzel stem, party snack, autumn recipe, easy cheese ball

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/perfect-pumpkin-shaped-cheese-ball-recipe-with-herb-coating-and-pretzel-stem/