Gather round, my fellow flavor enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a delightful adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and bring people together in the most delicious way. Introducing the Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball with Spiced Crackers – a harmonious fusion of sweet and savory that’s sure to make your heart (and your belly) sing. So, let’s dive in and discover the hidden stories behind each and every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball with Spiced Crackers
Cozy up to the alluring combination of rich, creamy pumpkin and tangy, velvety cream cheese, all wrapped in a crisp, golden exterior. The addition of warm spices and a sprinkle of festive toppings takes this cheeseball to new heights of comfort and indulgence. Serve it alongside the homemade spiced crackers for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
Gather your kitchen essentials for this delectable cheeseball – from the bright and zesty pumpkin puree to the lush, creamy cream cheese, and the aromatic blend of spices that will fill your kitchen with the scents of autumn. Together, these ingredients create a savory masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
- 1 cup (240g) – Pumpkin puree
- 8 oz (225g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp – Ground nutmeg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pumpkin puree: Butternut squash puree or mashed sweet potato (both work well in this recipe and provide a similar flavor profile)
- Cream cheese: Neufchatel cheese or plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option
How to Make Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball with Spiced Crackers
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create the savory pumpkin cheeseball and the homemade spiced crackers to serve alongside it.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet for the spiced crackers. Measure out the necessary amounts and have them ready to go for a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Whip the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and evenly blended. Next, shape the pumpkin cheeseball and roll it in the crunchy, toasted pecans for a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the cheeseball is chilling, make the spiced crackers. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and spices. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, stirring just until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut into your desired shapes, then bake until golden and irresistibly crispy. Once everything is ready, arrange the cheeseball on a serving platter and surround it with the freshly baked crackers. Get ready to delight your guests with this savory masterpiece!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle the cheeseball with a bit of honey or sprinkle it with chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle kick of heat.
- Savory mix-ins: Fold in crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for an even more indulgent flavor profile.
- Swap the nuts: Instead of pecans, try using toasted walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
- Herbal twist: Incorporate freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage into the cheeseball mixture for an earthy, aromatic touch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: The homemade spiced crackers, apple slices, celery sticks, or your favorite fresh vegetables.
Storage: The cheeseball can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The crackers will stay crisp for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
Reheat: The cheeseball can be served cold or at room temperature. The crackers can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making in advance, as the cheeseball can be prepared and chilled several days before your event. The crackers can also be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball without the guilt. Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and cream cheese, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of nutrients and flavor.
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30g) of cheeseball with 2-3 crackers
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cheeseball in advance?
Absolutely! The cheeseball can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for entertaining. Simply shape the cheeseball, roll it in the toasted pecans, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How do I ensure the crackers stay crispy?
To keep the homemade spiced crackers crisp, be sure to bake them until they are a deep golden brown. Additionally, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature will help preserve their crunch.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other nuts, such as toasted walnuts or almonds, if you prefer a different flavor or texture. Just be sure to adjust the quantity as needed to coat the cheeseball.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
This recipe can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply use a plant-based cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese in place of the regular cream cheese, and omit the pecans or use a vegan-friendly topping.
How can I adjust the spice level to suit my preferences?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to your liking. For a spicier twist, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cheeseball mixture.
Try These Next
- Savory Pumpkin Curry Tacos With Spiced Chickpeas
- Savory Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Drizzled With Maple Syrup
- Savory Pumpkin Gnocchi With Sage Butter Sauce
Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball with Spiced Crackers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball is a delightful and creamy appetizer, perfect for fall gatherings. Served with spiced crackers, it combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
Fresh herbs for garnish
For Spiced Crackers:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree until smooth.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4. Once chilled, roll the cheeseball in the chopped pecans to coat.
5. For the spiced crackers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
7. Add olive oil and water, and mix until a dough forms.
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.
9. Place crackers on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Serve the cheeseball with the spiced crackers and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
This cheeseball can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley can enhance the presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheeseball, appetizer, fall