This adorable Pumpkin Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for you! A seasoned cream cheese mixture, rolled in crushed tortilla chips, and shaped like a pumpkin!
Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe
It’s that time of year again. Leaves are falling and the weather is turning cooler. This means the holidays are coming.
Are you throwing a Halloween party or Fall party? This easy pumpkin cheese ball is creamy and delicious and has an adorable pumpkin shape!
It’s such a cute idea and way more fun than an ordinary cheese ball. Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween, they make great Thanksgiving appetizers too!
Other Fall appetizers to try include my Pumpkin Dip, Pumpkin Apple Punch, and Pumpkin Skillet Dip.
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Ingredients Needed
Cream Cheese – Soften the cream cheese to allow for easier mixing. Use reduced fat or fat free versions if desired.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese is perfect for this. Grate your own for best flavor.
Ranch Seasoning – Super easy to use. Or a combination of garlic powder and onion powder.
Green Onion – Perfect for garnish and a pop of color.
Pumpkin Stem – Use a green bell pepper stem to make it look like an actual pumpkin.
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How to Make a Pumpkin Cheese Ball
First: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, and Ranch seasoning. Mix to combine.
Second: Scoop out the cheese ball mixture and on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Shape into a ball.
Third: Wrap a few pieces of kitchen twine or rubber bands around the ball in even intervals to make the pumpkin look. Chill until ready to serve.
Fourth: Unwrap, roll in crushed chips, being careful not to smash the sides. Place the pepper stem on top of the cheese ball and serve with crackers.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep this homemade cheese ball up to 1 week ahead of time. Keep tightly wrapped in the fridge or in an airtight container until ready to serve.
How long does it last?
Once you serve it, do not leave it out for more than 2 hours. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. You can even freeze it for 2 months!
What to Serve with a Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Ritz crackers are my favorite thing to serve with this. I also like tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and red pepper slices. Feel free to use your favorite cracker.
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- soften the cream cheese close to room temperature for easy mixing.
- spice it up with red pepper flakes and Worcestershire sauce
- coat the cheese ball with crushed nacho cheese Doritos, toasted pecans, or more cheddar cheese
- Use string or large rubber bands to make the vertical grooves on the side of the wrapped cheese ball.
- Don’t want to serve a large one, make mini pumpkin cheese balls.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!
This pumpkin-shaped cheese ball makes a cute appetizer for all the Halloween parties this season. Delicious and so much fun to serve!
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning
- 1 bell pepper stem
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning.
- Fold in half the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Remove and place on a large piece of plastic wrap.
- Shape into a ball and seal.
- Take 4 pieces of kitchen twine or string and wrap around the cheese ball, pulling tight, to make indentions.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
- Remove and gently unwrap.
- Sprinkle or lightly pat the remaining cheddar cheese on the outside, being careful not to smash the indention lines.
- Top with the bell pepper stem.
- Serve with crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing.
- Cut 4 strips of twine or as many as you like to make the ridges in the pumpkin.
- Coat with cheese or chopped toasted nuts. You can even use crushed orange nacho chips.
- If the indentions aren't very deep after coating, you can run the blunt edge of a butter knife or plastic knife to make the markings again.
- Make up to 3 days in advance and keep chilled.
Nutrition
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Jennifer
Thursday 6th of October 2022
The addition of the pumpkin stem on top makes it look so festive!
Lynn @ Fresh April Flours
Thursday 6th of October 2022
Ok this is SUPER fun! I love the stem!!
Hezzi-D
Wednesday 5th of October 2022
Who doesn't love a cheeseball??? Can't wait to make this cute pumpkin!
Jenni
Wednesday 5th of October 2022
What an easy and delicious cheese ball recipe, and the pumpkin treatment is so cute! I love that you rolled this guy in Doritos, too!