Name: Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos; Paprika; Black sesame seeds; 20 pretzel sticks; Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; Assorted crackers, for serving

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Introduction

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are a festive and fun appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheese with savory flavors and a crunchy coating that resembles little pumpkins, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Seven small cheese balls are arranged on a piece of light brown parchment paper over a wooden tray. Each cheese ball is round, coated with crushed orange cheese pieces giving a rough texture, and has a small pretzel stick inserted at the top like a stem. In the background, there is a white plate that holds a few crackers, with a soft gray and white cloth nearby. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, paprika, and/or black sesame seeds (for coating)
20 pretzel sticks (for stems)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley (for garnish)
Assorted crackers (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, green onions, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well with a wooden spoon until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cover the mixture and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up.
Step 3: Prepare your coatings by placing crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, paprika, and black sesame seeds each on small plates.
Step 4: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the cheese mixture and roll each into a ball. Continue until all the mixture is used.
Step 5: Roll each cheese ball in one of the prepared coatings to coat evenly, then set aside.
Step 6: Use a wooden skewer to gently make vertical marks down the sides and across the tops of the balls, creating a pumpkin-like appearance.
Step 7: Insert half of a pretzel stick into the top center of each cheese ball as a pumpkin stem, then garnish with a small leaf of flat-leaf parsley.
Step 8: Refrigerate the finished cheese balls until ready to serve alongside assorted crackers.

Tips & Variations

For the best pumpkin color and flavor, use crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos alone as your coating. Crush them by placing in a plastic bag and smashing with a rolling pin until finely crumbed.
You can mix and match coatings to add color and texture interest or stick to one simple coating if you prefer.
Make sure to drain and dry the roasted red peppers well to avoid excess moisture that could make the mixture too soft.

Storage

Store the mini pumpkin cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes for best flavor and texture. They can also be made a day ahead for convenience.

How to Serve

The image shows seven small, round cheese balls that look like pumpkins, each with a rough, bright orange outer layer made of shredded cheese, placed on a piece of light brown parchment paper. Each cheese ball is topped with a short, brown pretzel stick standing upright to look like a pumpkin stem. These cheese balls sit on a wooden tray with a natural wood grain pattern. In the background, there is a white plate holding four crackers on a white marbled surface, and a light beige textured cloth is casually placed behind the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or a blend. Just choose cheeses that are firm enough to hold shape when mixed.

How do I prevent the cheese balls from falling apart?

Chilling the mixture before rolling helps it firm up. Also, make sure to drain any excess moisture from ingredients like roasted peppers, and use a firm, softened cream cheese to bind the mixture well.