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–+ servings
spicy pumpkin-shaped cheeseball sliced open

Spicy Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

This spicy pumpkin shaped cheeseball is creamy, bold, and packed with heat. Shaped like a festive pumpkin, it’s the ultimate party centerpiece.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce buffalo or your favorite brand
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup green onions finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon optional
  • 1/2 cup crushed spicy nacho chips or crushed cheese crackers for coating
  • 1 pretzel rod or small pumpkin stem for the top
  • Assorted crackers tortilla chips, carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices, for serving

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
  2. Stir in the diced jalapeños, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, black pepper, green onions, and bacon if using. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into a rough ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  4. Wrap rubber bands gently around the wrapped cheeseball to create pumpkin-like ridges.
  5. Refrigerate the cheeseball for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chill overnight for best results.
  6. Remove the plastic wrap and rubber bands carefully.
  7. Roll the cheeseball in crushed spicy nacho chips or crushed crackers until fully coated.
  8. Place on a serving plate and insert a pretzel rod or pumpkin stem into the top.
  9. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetables of your choice.

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