Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe
This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings. Creamy and tangy cream cheese mixed with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and spices is chilled and shaped into a pumpkin ball, then coated with crushed cheese crackers or pecans for a delightful texture. Decorated with a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem, it’s a fun and easy dish that’s sure to impress guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, plus extra for coating
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Coating & Garnish
- 1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans (for coating)
- 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for pumpkin stem)
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Mix: Beat together the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Shape & Chill: Scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up, although chilling overnight will yield the best results.
- Coat: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans until fully coated on all sides.
- Shape Pumpkin: Using twine or uncooked spaghetti noodles, gently press vertical ridges around the sides of the cheese ball to create the look of a pumpkin. Carefully remove the twine or noodles afterward.
- Add Stem: Insert a pretzel rod or a bell pepper stem into the top center of the cheese ball to mimic a pumpkin stem. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
- Serve: Let the pumpkin cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to reach ideal softness. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or crisp vegetables.
Notes
- Chilling the cheese ball overnight improves flavor melding and firmness.
- You can use nuts or gourmet crackers for coating to add different textures.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- This cheese ball pairs well with an assortment of fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices.
Keywords: pumpkin cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer, fall appetizer, holiday cheese ball, party snack
Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe/
