Mini Cheeseball Pumpkins with Caramelized Garlic

These mini cheeseball pumpkins, flavored with caramelized garlic, make a festive addition to any Thanksgiving or Halloween table.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 180 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 12 pretzel sticks
• 2 cups shredded aged Cheddar cheese
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, or to taste
• 0.25 cup chopped green onions
• 1.5 teaspoons white sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2.5 teaspoons butter
• 1 cup finely crushed cheese-flavored crackers (such as Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until sizzling, about 30 seconds. Add garlic and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until garlic just starts to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. Transfer garlic mixture to a bowl. Add Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onions, and garlic salt. Beat using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Cover and refrigerate until firm enough to handle, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Shape chilled cheese mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Roll each ball in crushed crackers and slightly flatten the bottom. Press 1/2 a pretzel stick into the top. Repeat with remaining cheese mixture.

Step 3

Spread parsley out on a serving plate and place mini cheeseball pumpkins on top, leaving enough room in between for parsley to show through.