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Unlike some of my other Halloween time posts that are really catered toward kids, these Mini Cheese Balls are perfect for the entire family and maybe even better as a Thanksgiving appetizer! The kids will see a fun pumpkin shaped snack and love that they are filled with bacon, cheese and ranch. Doesn't every kid love ranch? The adults will see a seasonally stylish appetizer perfect for our fall holidays.

Pumpkin Mini Cheese Balls

Make delicious bacon ranch cheese balls and shape them into adorable pumpkins for the perfect Halloween and Thanksgiving appetizer! These Pumpkin Mini Cheese Balls are cute, tasty and easy to serve! 

Course Appetizer
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 10 +
Author Maggie @ The Love Nerds

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
  • 1 ounce Dry Ranch Mix
  • 3 Bacon Strips (cooked and chopped)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese
  • 1-2 Green Onions, chopped (optional)
  • Pretzel Sticks, halved (garnish)
  • Fresh Parsley Leaves (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients together well.

  2. Roll the mix into small 2 inch balls or size preferred.

  3. If you find them sticky, roll the balls into a little bit of shredded cheese to create a slightly outer layer and then roll again between your hands again to get the cheese to stick and lay flat.

  4. Chill for about 10 minutes.

  5. Remove and create the "pumpkin" lines with the help of a butter knife or icing knife. I make about 8 wedges on each cheese ball. When making a line, don't go down too deep as you don't want the cheese ball to fall apart.

  6. Add half of a pretzel stick and a small piece of parsley for a leaf. Push the end of the parsley lightly into the cheeseball near the pretzel.