Description
A festive fall appetizer board centered around a savory pumpkin-shaped cheddar cheese ball, surrounded by crackers, salami, fruit, dried apricots, pretzels, and pepitas.
Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 green bell pepper stem
6 ounces sliced salami
8 ounces assorted crackers
2 cups green grapes
1 apple, thinly sliced
3/4 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup pepitas
1 cup mini pretzels
Fresh rosemary, optional
Instructions
1. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar, ranch seasoning, chives, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Shape into a low round mound on plastic wrap. Coat with remaining cheddar.
3. Wrap tightly and tie four evenly spaced pieces of kitchen twine around the cheese ball.
4. Chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Remove twine and plastic wrap. Add the bell pepper stem.
6. Place the cheese ball on a large board and arrange crackers, salami, grapes, apple slices, apricots, pepitas, pretzels, and optional rosemary around it.
7. Serve promptly.
Notes
Add crackers and pretzels right before serving.
Refrigerate perishable leftovers within two hours.
The 2-hour chilling time is included in the total time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer serving
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0