Halloween Cream Cheese Pumpkins

Name: Halloween Cream Cheese Pumpkins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 Dan-O’s Tac-O Seasoning Packet - Mild; 16 oz Cream Cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1/4 cup Sour Cream; Twine; Plastic wrap; Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (for stems)

These Halloween Cream Cheese Pumpkins are a festive fall appetizer packed with creamy, cheesy taco flavor. Softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, and Dan-O’s Tac-O Seasoning - Mild come together for an easy cheese ball that's shaped to look just like a miniature pumpkin. Kitchen twine creates those signature pumpkin grooves, while an extra coating of Tac-O adds bold flavor and a naturally orange appearance. Finish each pumpkin with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a simple edible stem, then surround them with crackers or tortilla chips for dipping. Make several mini pumpkins for a Halloween party platter or one big pumpkin cheese ball for a fall gathering, tailgate, or Thanksgiving appetizer.

Halloween Cream Cheese Pumpkins video thumbnail

Prep Time

10 Mins

Cook Time

30 Mins

Serving Size

Flavors Used:

Ingredients

1 Dan-O’s Tac-O Seasoning Packet - Mild
16 oz Cream Cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar
1/4 cup Sour Cream
Twine
Plastic wrap
Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (for stems)

Let’s Make It!

Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften. This makes everything much easier to mix.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, and 2 tablespoons Dan-O’s Tac-O Seasoning Packet- Mild. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Spoon the mixture onto pieces of plastic wrap to make 1-2 mini cheese balls, or pile it onto one larger piece for a single pumpkin cheese ball. Wrap each one completely, shape into a ball.
To make the pumpkin grooves, gently press kitchen twine over the wrapped cheese ball. Start by laying the twine across the top and down the center, applying just enough pressure to create an indentation. Repeat in the opposite direction, then two more times between those lines to create 8 evenly spaced pumpkin grooves.
Refrigerate the wrapped pumpkin cheese balls for 30–60 minutes, or until firm enough to hold their shape.
Remove from the refrigerator, carefully unwrap, and roll the outside of each cheese ball in additional Dan-O’s Tac-O Seasoning Packet- Mild. This adds even more taco flavor while giving your pumpkins their festive orange color.
Finish each pumpkin with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme tucked into the top for a stem.
Serve your Cream Cheese Pumpkin Balls with crackers, tortilla chips, or your favorite crunchy dippers. Yum Yum Get Ya Sum!®