Description
A show-stopping fall appetizer, this Homemade Doritos Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball brings festive charm and bold flavor to your holiday table. Shaped like a pumpkin and coated with crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, it’s a quick party dip idea perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving appetizers. It combines sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, and tangy cream cheese with flavorful mix-ins like garlic powder and green onion. Serve it with crackers or fresh veggies—this easy recipe is sure to impress and fits right into your list of fun food ideas, snack boards, and seasonal treats.
Ingredients
2 packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
1 bell pepper or pumpkin stem, for decoration
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until smooth.
2. Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Twist the wrap to tighten and form it into a round shape. Optional: Add grooves with rubber bands or by hand for a pumpkin look.
3. Chill the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
4. Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in the crushed Doritos until fully coated. Press lightly so the crumbs adhere well.
5. Insert the stem from a bell pepper or a small pumpkin into the top for a realistic pumpkin finish.
6. Serve with crackers, sliced bell peppers, pretzels, or celery sticks.
Notes
For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and let it soften before mixing.
Do not add the Doritos coating until ready to serve to keep the crunch intact.
To spice it up, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cheese ball, fall appetizer, pumpkin dip, Doritos cheese ball, Halloween snacks, easy party food