Pumpkin Cheese Ball

The Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving celebrations.

Shaped like a pumpkin and bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish is not only delicious but also a showstopper centerpiece for your table. Made with a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and savory seasonings, it pairs beautifully with crackers, veggies, or pretzels for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Small knife or toothpick
• Serving platter

Ingredients

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup finely crushed cheddar cheese crackers (for coating)
• Pretzel rod or celery stick (for the pumpkin stem)
• Fresh parsley leaves (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Mix the Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Shape into a Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape it into a round ball. Twist the plastic wrap tightly around the ball to hold its shape, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
3. Create the Pumpkin Look: Once the cheese ball is firm, remove the plastic wrap. Roll the cheese ball in the finely crushed cheddar cheese crackers until evenly coated. Use a small knife or toothpick to create vertical lines around the cheese ball to mimic the ridges of a pumpkin.
4. Add the Stem: Insert a pretzel rod or celery stick into the top center of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Garnish with parsley leaves, if desired.
5. Serve: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter surrounded by crackers, veggies, or pretzels, and serve chilled.

Prep Time

15 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)

Total Time

2 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sodium: 320mg

Expert Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to coat and serve.
• Custom Coating: Use crushed nuts, chopped herbs, or finely shredded cheese instead of cheddar crackers for a unique twist.
• Flavor Boost: Add a few tablespoons of cooked and crumbled bacon or finely diced jalapeños for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese ball without the pumpkin shape?
Absolutely! Simply leave it as a round cheese ball or shape it into a log for easy slicing.

What crackers pair best with this cheese ball?
Butter crackers, whole-grain crackers, or pita chips pair wonderfully. Veggies like carrot sticks and celery are also great for dipping.

How long can I leave the cheese ball out?
For food safety, keep it out for no more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: This cheese ball is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or any cheese you prefer.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese.
• Sweet Twist: For a dessert-style cheese ball, mix in cream cheese, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips, and coat with crushed graham crackers.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

The Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving celebrations. Shaped like a pumpkin and bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish is not only delicious but also a showstopper centerpiece for your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• - 16 oz 2 blocks cream cheese, softened
• - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• - 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
• - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
• - 1/2 cup finely crushed cheddar cheese crackers for coating
• - Pretzel rod or celery stick for the pumpkin stem
• - Fresh parsley leaves for garnish, optional

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• - Rubber spatula
• - Plastic wrap
• - Small knife or toothpick
• - Serving platter

Method

 

1. **Mix the Cheese Base:** In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. **Shape into a Ball:** Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape it into a round ball. Twist the plastic wrap tightly around the ball to hold its shape, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
3. **Create the Pumpkin Look:** Once the cheese ball is firm, remove the plastic wrap. Roll the cheese ball in the finely crushed cheddar cheese crackers until evenly coated. Use a small knife or toothpick to create vertical lines around the cheese ball to mimic the ridges of a pumpkin.
4. **Add the Stem:** Insert a pretzel rod or celery stick into the top center of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Garnish with parsley leaves, if desired.
5. **Serve:** Place the cheese ball on a serving platter surrounded by crackers, veggies, or pretzels, and serve chilled.