Take a classic appetizer and turn it into a cute fall theme when you make this Pumpkin Cheese Ball. It has the delicious flavor of a classic and simple cheese ball and takes minutes to toss together. Delightful cream cheese, sharp cheddar, green onions, and spices make for the perfect appetizer combo.
I’m pretty sure I’ve said it before that fall is my favorite time of the year. It’s magical in every way. It’s a blast finding all the ways to enjoy the festive time of year. For me, a huge part of that is taking classic recipes and turning them into a more specific fall theme. For example, these No Bake Halloween Treats, Halloween Face Pie Dip, or Frankenstein Peanut Butter Cookies are your basic treats turned festive!
This cheese ball recipe is just your basic, everyday cheeseball, it’s simply created to look like a pumpkin! Pumpkins are the epitome of fall, plus, it was super easy since a cheese ball is already round. It was a no-brainer. Add a stem and a leaf and you’ll be impressing everyone.
How Do You Make a Cheese Ball from Scratch?
- Mix - Combine all the ingredients except the pretzel stick, in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Chill - Form it into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, roll in the shredded cheese, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Serve - Remove from the fridge, place the pretzel and green onion shoot in the top, serve with crackers, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Use gloves - I found that wearing rubber gloves when working with the cheese ball kept the mess to a minimum. Plus, it was easier to form it into a ball and roll it in the cheese.
- Make it spicy - You can add a tablespoon of hot sauce if you want a bit of extra flavor and some added spice.
- Can I make a cheese ball in advance? - You definitely can. Just make sure that it’s tightly wrapped so none of the cheese gets air to it. You should be able to make it at least two days in advance, if it’s stored correctly.
- Do not freeze - Whatever you do, don’t freeze this appetizer recipe. It definitely doesn’t come out tasting as great as it did before it was frozen.
- Let it warm up before serving - Let it sit out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving. If not, it can have a tendency to be a little too hard and break the crackers.
Common Questions About Pumpkin Cheese Ball
What is a Cheese Ball Made Of?
This will vary from recipe to recipe. However, your average cheese ball has a base of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and herbs/spices. Again, these ingredients can change from recipe to recipe. Some people use pimento cheese in place of creamy cheese or mozzarella in place of cheddar. The options are endless for cheese balls, it just depends on what style you’re looking for.
What Goes with Cheese Ball?
Anything you use to dip in another food will work with a cheeseball. I like using bagel chips, crackers of all kinds, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, tortilla chips, etc. Truly, the options are endless, which is why cheese balls are one of the best and most loved appetizers around. Plus, they work great for just about any occasion. You can’t go wrong with a cheese ball!
Please feel free to share your experience with making this Pumpkin Cheese Ball in the comments below or on social media!
More Cheesy Recipes You’re Sure to Love:
- Mozzarella Pizza Rolls
- Cranberry Baked Brie
- Whipped Feta Prosciutto Crostini
- Roasted Grape Brie Crostini
- Holiday Charcuterie Board
- 16 Ounces Cream Cheese room temperature
- 2 Cups Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Pretzel Rod
- ¼ Cup Chopped Green Onions
- 1 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
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Combine all the ingredients, except 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the pretzel rod, in a medium bowl and mix until well combined.
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Place the remaining cheese in a wide bowl.
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Form the cream cheese mixture into a ball and roll it around in the shredded cheese until completely covered.
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Wrap in plastic wrap and let chill in the fridge for about 1-2 hours or until chilled through.
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Break about 1.5 inches of the pretzel rod off on one end and stick the ugly side into the top middle of the cheese ball.
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If you want to add the green leaf portion, get a sprig of green onion and put it under the pretzel rod before you push it into the cheese ball.
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Serve with crackers and enjoy!
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