Want to make the ultimate cheese ball, one that’s dressed for the season? Here, a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar cheese are seasoned, blended and formed into a ball, then rolled in crushed bright orange Cheetos. A bell pepper stem stuck into the top of the cheese ball makes it resemble a tiny pumpkin.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Makes one (4-inch) cheese ball

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 tbsp brandy
• 2 tbsp minced parsley
• 2 finely chopped green onions
• 1 clove garlic, grated on a rasp-style grater (like a microplane)
• .5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar
• Cheetos, for rolling
• 1 bell pepper stem, for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl using a rubber spatula, mix together the cream cheese, brandy, parsley, green onions, garlic and Worcestershire sauce until well-combined. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a sheet of plastic wrap, and use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a ball. Refrigerate until firm.
2. Transfer the Cheetos to a zip-top plastic storage bag. Seal the bag, then roll over the bag with a rolling pin until the Cheetos are finely crushed. Transfer the crushed Cheetos to a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll in the crushed Cheetos to coat. Transfer to a plate, and stick the bell pepper stem in the top so it looks like a pumpkin. Serve immediately, with crackers alongside.