A hint of pumpkin spice adds some fall pep to this festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball. Perfect for dipping, it makes a fun and delicious appetizer for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving get together.
Have a Ball this Fall!
I’m pretty sure cheese dips have their own gravitational force. I’m immediately drawn to them! There’s something about creamy cheese and a crunchy cracker that pulls me right in! And this Pumpkin Cheese Ball recipe will definitely draw hungry guests at your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving get-together. Formed into a perfect, cheesy pumpkin, it’s such a cute way to celebrate the autumn holidays. This delicious pumpkin shaped cheese ball is the star of my Fall Snack Board. Check it out!
The Friendsgiving Spread
This recipe is part of the Friendsgiving Spread, filled with charming details and inventive and delicious twists on your favorite holiday dishes. From appetizers to the main dish, sides and dessert, everything on the menu is planned carefully so all you have to do it put it together. Or, better yet, make it a potluck affair with your friends, for a meal and a memory you will cherish making together.
Watch Me Make a Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Step into the kitchen with me to make an adorable and delicious pumpkin cheese ball.
Delicious Fall Dip!
Mellow cheddar cheese, a hint of pumpkin spice, and crunchy crackers–my mouth is already watering! Made with either pumpkin cream cheese or plain, with a bell pepper stem on top of the cheese ball, this appetizer is as adorable as it is simple to make. Everyone at your party will be drawn to this delicious dip!
More Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin spice and everything nice! When sweater weather approaches, I turn to my collection of the Best Pumpkin Recipes for Fall.
What Do I Need to Make a Pumpkin Cheese Ball?
(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin cream cheese (regular will do if you can’t find pumpkin flavored)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (mild, medium and sharp cheddar cheese work so long as it’s orange shredded cheese)
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Bell pepper stem
- Multigrain pita crackers, for serving
- Multigrain crackers, for serving
- Large oval serving platter
Supplies:
- Large oval serving platter
- Large piece of plastic wrap
How to Make a Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- First, using a stand mixer or sturdy spoon, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Then line a 1.25 quart mixing bowl (7.25”x3”x3”) with plastic wrap and press the cheese mixture firmly into the bowl.
- Shape the mixture into a ball shape.
- Cover completely with the plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Once the cheese ball is chilled, and still wrapped, lift it from the bowl with the plastic wrap and place it flat side down on a work surface. With the plastic wrap still around the cheese ball and with the tip of a butter knife, carve lines down the sides to resemble a pumpkin.
- Next, lift the cheese ball from the work surface with the palm of your hand and gently remove the plastic wrap. Then transfer the cheese ball to the center of your serving platter. Use the butter knife to indent the carved lines even more to look like a pumpkin.
- Finally, stick the bell pepper stem in the top of the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball. Ta-da! Serve with crackers. Enjoy!
Make Ahead Instructions
After forming the ball and caring the lines, store it wrapped in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. An hour before you are ready to serve, top with bell pepper stem and serve with crackers.
Storage
A cheese ball should be refrigerated after sitting at room temperature for no more than two hours.
Store cheese ball in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in a sheet of plastic wrap. Store wrapped cheeseball in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love
Let’s get you ready for the big feast with these festive, delicious and easy Thanksgiving recipes everyone is sure to be thankful for!
If you make this Pumpkin Cheese Ball for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving feast, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. 
I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Have fun and enjoy!
xoxo,
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12+
Description
A hint of pumpkin spice adds some fall pep to this festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball. Perfect for dipping, it makes a fun and delicious appetizer for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving get together.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pumpkin cream cheese (regular will do if you can’t find pumpkin flavored)
- 2 cups shredded orange cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 bell pepper stem
- multigrain pita crackers, for serving
- multigrain crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer or sturdy spoon, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Line a 1.25 quart mixing bowl (7.25”x3”x3”) with plastic wrap and press the cheese mixture firmly into the bowl.
- Form the mixture into a ball. Cover completely with the plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Once the cheese ball is chilled, lift it from the bowl with the plastic wrap and place it flat side down on a work surface. Leave the plastic wrap around the cheese ball and with the tip of a butter knife, carve lines down the sides to resemble a pumpkin.
- Lift the cheese ball from the work surface with the palm of your hand and gently remove the plastic wrap. Transfer the cheese ball to the center of your serving platter. Use the butter knife to indent the carved lines even more to look like a pumpkin.
- Stick the bell pepper stem in the top of the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball
- Serve with crackers. Enjoy!
Can I make this ahead and how long can I keep it refrigerated ?
Hi Mary Beth! Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for at least a week. Enjoy!