Description

This Homemade Doritos Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and seasonal gatherings. Made with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and a crunchy coating of crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, this cheese ball is shaped into a fun pumpkin with a bell pepper stem as the ‘pumpkin stem.’ It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Mixture

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Coating and Garnish

2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
1 bell pepper stem (cleaned and dried)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, finely chopped green onions, diced jalapeño (if using), and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Using your hands, form it into a round ball shape. To create a pumpkin effect, gently tie kitchen string around the ball to form ridges or shape the ridges manually. Chill the ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Crush the Doritos: Using a food processor or by placing the Doritos in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin, grind the Nacho Cheese Doritos until finely crushed to create the coating.
Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and roll it gently in the crushed Doritos, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick evenly over the surface.
Add the Pumpkin Stem: Place the cleaned and dried bell pepper stem on top of the coated cheese ball to mimic a pumpkin stem, enhancing the festive appearance.
Serve or Store: Serve the finished pumpkin-shaped cheese ball immediately with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables. Alternatively, refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the jalapeño or use less.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure easy mixing.
Use a plastic wrap to shape the cheese ball for easier handling and cleanup.
For the best texture, chill the cheese ball for at least one hour before coating.
The bell pepper stem is edible, but you can substitute with any small stem-like garnish.