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Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are the adorable fall appetizer your snack table’s been begging for. Creamy, cheesy, and coated in paprika, sesame seeds, or crushed chips, they’re proof that pumpkins don’t have to be sweet to steal the show.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 28 Mini Cheese Balls

EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened (two 8-ounce packages)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup finely chopped roasted red peppers drained and patted dry
  • 3 green onions finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos add more if needed for coating
  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 20 pretzel sticks broken in half
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Assorted crackers for serving

Instructions

  • Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers, green onions, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    16 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup finely chopped roasted red peppers, 3 green onions, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, Salt and black pepper
  • Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape easily.
  • Prepare the Coatings: Place crushed Doritos, paprika, and black sesame seeds on separate small plates. These will give your pumpkins their fun fall colors.
    1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, 3 tablespoons paprika, 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • Shape the Cheese Balls: Using a tablespoon measuring scoop, portion out the chilled cheese mixture. Roll each scoop between your hands to form smooth balls. Continue until all the mixture is used.
  • Coat the Pumpkins: Roll each cheese ball in one of the coatings, pressing gently so the crumbs or spices stick evenly. Mix up coatings for color variety.
  • Add the Pumpkin Details: Use a wooden skewer to press gentle lines around the sides and top of each cheese ball to create pumpkin-like grooves. Insert half a pretzel stick into the top for a “stem,” then add a small parsley leaf for a cute finishing touch.
    20 pretzel sticks, Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Arrange on a platter with crackers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Assorted crackers