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.
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.
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 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 cheese ball is the star of my Fall Snack Board. Check it out!
Mellow cheddar cheese, a hint of pumpkin spice, and crunchy crackers–my mouth is already watering! Made with either pumpkin cream cheese or plain, and topped off with a bell pepper stem, this appetizer is as adorable as it is simple to make. Everyone at your party will be drawn to this delicious dip!
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. 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. 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!
Watch for More
Watch this quick video to see how the Pumpkin Cheese Ball comes together and scroll to the end of this post for the recipe and step-by-step instructions.
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+ 1x
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. 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!