Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chive and onion cream cheese spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of the grated sharp cheddar. Beat until smooth.
2. Lay out a double layer of plastic wrap on your counter, making sure it's long enough to fully enclose the cheese ball.
3. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of the remaining shredded cheddar onto the plastic wrap where the bottom of the cheese ball will rest.
4. Place the cheese mixture on top of the sprinkled cheese, then use the rest of the shredded cheese to coat the top and sides.
5. Wrap the plastic wrap around the cheese ball and gently press it into a round shape.
6. Use thick rubber bands to wrap around the cheese ball in two directions, creating a pumpkin-like ribbed shape.
7. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours, then carefully remove the rubber bands.
8. Insert a bell pepper stem into the top to resemble a pumpkin stem, and serve with your favorite crackers.