Pumpkin Cheese Ball

4.49 from 90 votes

on Oct 19, 2023, Updated Sep 11, 2024

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball recipe is the perfect appetizer for Fall. It’s easy to make and will definitely be the hit of your fall parties!

pumpkin shaped cheese ball surrounded by crackers for dipping

This pumpkin shaped cheese ball is not only adorable, but it’s really a cinch to make. You need just a few classic cheese ball ingredients and some rubber bands to make this fun appetizer!

Making a homemade cheese ball is one of my favorite things to do during the holidays. The first time I made a homemade cheese ball I fell in love. It is so good won’t be able to stop at just one dip!

During fall we are serving up all the pumpkin things, so why not serve a pumpkin shaped appetizer too?

Don’t worry, it only looks like a pumpkin, but no pumpkin is actually in it.

cheese ball cut open to show the creamy cheese dip filling

Find the printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients You Need To Make It

Cream cheese
Chive and onion cream cheese spread
Spices: salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Sharp cheddar cheese: freshly grated
Stem from a bell pepper: to make the stem on your pumpkin

ingredients needed to make a pumpkin shaped cheese ball

How to make a pumpkin Cheese Ball

Step 1: Beat together the softened cream cheese block, chive & onion spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.

Recipe Tip

Do not use pre packaged cheese for a cheese ball. When you grate it yourself the cheese will stick better to the outside of the ball and the packaged stuff will not work as well.

cheese ball filling ingredients in a mixing bowl

Step 2: Place a double layer of cling wrap out on the counter, long enough to wrap the cheese ball in. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese onto the cling wrap where the bottom of the cheese ball will sit. Place the cheese ball batter onto the cheese.

cheese ball placed over the cheddar cheese

Step 3: Use the remaining shredded cheese on the top and sides to cover the cheese ball. Wrap up the cheese ball in the cling wrap.

wrapping the cheese ball with cling wrap

Step 4: Use thick rubber bands to double wrap the cheese ball into a pumpkin shape as pictured below. You will want to make sure they are sturdy rubber bands to ensure the ball gets the indents in it.

cheese ball shaped with rubber bands to look like a pumpkin

Step 5: Chill the cheese ball in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight), then remove the rubber bands. Cut a bell pepper stem off and place it on top of the cheese ball.

removing a stem from a bell pepper to place on the cheese ball

pumpkin shaped cheese ball with a bell pepper stem

How to Serve a Cheese Ball

Crackers or sturdy chips are best for serving with a cheese ball. I like to serve with a variety so that people can pick their favorites! Here are a few ideas:

ritz crackers
club crackers
triscuits
wheat thins
pita crisps

cheese ball platter with crackers for dipping

This cheese ball is one of my favorite appetizers that looks so impressive but is really easy to make. This recipe is perfect for the cool weather months and is sure to impress your guests!

Not to mention it is absolutely delicious. If you haven’t tried a fresh homemade cheese ball you are in for a treat!

How To Store

In the refrigerator: Leftover cheese ball can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
At room temperature: When serving this cheese ball, do not leave out at room temperature for more than two hours

More Easy Appetizers

Next time you are asked to bring an appetizer to Thanksgiving, make this pumpkin shaped cheese ball!

I love that it is make ahead and I can throw it together in just a few minutes and have it in the fridge ready to go. It’s simple, delicious, and will be the hit of the party.

4.49 from 90 votes