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Pumpkin Cheese Ball

This festive pumpkin shaped cheese ball is the perfect appetizer for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Serve with your favorite crackers and it will be the hit of the party!

pumpkin shaped cheese ball surrounded by crackers for dipping

This pumpkin cheese ball is so delicious!

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?

cheese ball cut open to show the creamy cheese dip filling

Ingredients to make a pumpkin shaped cheese ball

  • cream cheese
  • chive and onion cream cheese spread
  • spices: salt, pepper, and garlic powder
  • sharp cheddar cheese: freshly grated
  • a stem from a bell pepper: to make the stem on your cheese ball shaped 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.

  • Note: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to serve with a cheese ball

Crackers 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

Cheese ball is one of my favorite appetizers that looks so impressive but is really easy to make. This fun pumpkin shaped one 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!

Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Don’t forget to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

Storing and Serving

  • 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
cheese ball dip on a cracker

More Easy Appetizers

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pumpkin shaped cheese ball surrounded by crackers for dipping

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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.

pumpkin shaped cheese ball surrounded by crackers for dipping

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Yield: 10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

This pumpkin cheese ball is the perfect appetizer for Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 7.5 oz container of chive & onion cream cheese spread
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, fresh grated, divided
  • 1 stem from a bell pepper

Instructions

  1. Beat together the softened cream cheese, chive & onion spread, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 ¼ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  2. Place a double layer of cling wrap out on the counter, long enough to wrap the cheese ball in
  3. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of cheese onto the cling wrap where the bottom of the cheese ball will sit
  4. Place the cheese ball mixture over the cheese, then use the remaining shredded cheese on the top and sides to cover the cheese ball
  5. Wrap the cheese ball up in the cling wrap and press to form a ball shape
  6. Use thick rubber bands to double wrap the cheese ball into a pumpkin shape (see the pictures in the post for how to do this)
  7. Chill the cheese ball in the fridge for at least 2 hours, then remove the rubber bands
  8. Top your pumpkin cheese ball with a bell pepper stem and serve with crackers of choice
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 234Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 322mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g

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