Can I make this Pumpkin Cheese Ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it up to two days in advance . Just keep it wrapped in plastic and add the coating right before serving for the freshest look.

I wouldn’t recommend it — the texture can get weird after thawing. It’s best made fresh and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What can I use instead of cheddar?

Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack all work beautifully if you want a milder or spicier twist.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap it tightly in plastic or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days — if it lasts that long!

Pumpkin Cheese Ball Magic: 5-Min Party Hit!

Description

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is the ultimate fall appetizer! Creamy, tangy, and delightfully smoky, it’s shaped like a pumpkin and coated in a crunchy layer of crackers or pecans. Perfect for parties, Thanksgiving, or cozy gatherings, this make-ahead cheese ball is festive, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for coating)
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup crushed cheese crackers or finely chopped pecans (for coating)
1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for the “pumpkin stem”)
Fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Make the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Shape and Chill:
Transfer the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap, form it into a ball, and wrap tightly. Chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Coat and Shape:
Roll the chilled cheese ball in crushed crackers or pecans, pressing gently to coat. Use 3–4 pieces of twine or rubber bands to create pumpkin-like ridges. Remove after a minute.
Add Final Touches:
Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem on top to form the pumpkin stem. Garnish with parsley leaves. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.

Notes

Let your cream cheese come fully to room temperature for the creamiest texture.
Smoked paprika gives the “pumpkin” its beautiful orange glow — add a pinch more before serving!
Make ahead and chill for up to 2 days; add coating just before serving for best freshness.
For a fun twist, make mini cheese ball “pumpkins” for individual servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (about 2 oz
Calories: 220 Kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg