Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1 pretzel stick
  • 1 small sprig of fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until velvety. Fold in the shredded cheddar, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the mixture is uniform in color and texture.
  2. Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a rough ball, then wrap the plastic tightly around the cheese. Secure four rubber bands around the ball, stretching them tightly to create the vertical indentations of a pumpkin. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal it.
  3. Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the structure.
  4. Carefully remove the rubber bands and plastic wrap. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere to the sides.
  5. Insert the pretzel stick into the top center to create the stem. Tuck a small parsley leaf next to the stem for a pop of green.