Does it get any more Fall than this adorable pumpkin cheese ball? We are obsessed with serving this pumpkin cheese ball for every fall occasion.
Every single one of us loves appetizers and loves serving our people. This cheese ball recipe was developed to serve at a Thanksgiving Day dinner and it was a hit.
We love making cheeseballs for every occasion. We have our festive cheese ball, cheese ball bites, and a dill pickle cheese ball. We tried to create a cheese ball for every season and we’ve done it!
What You Need for a Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- Cream cheese: cream cheese is the base of our cheese ball– make sure it’s fully softened so the other ingredients incorporate smoothly.
- Cheddar cheese: we’re using sharp cheddar cheese but you could use any shredded cheese you like– white cheddar, fontina, gruyere, pepper jack, etc.
- Spices: we’re flavoring the cheese ball very simply with parsley, garlic, and salt. Parsley adds a bit of freshness while garlic and salt help add some great flavor– you could use any kind of seasoning blend you like. Ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, herbs de Provence– just make sure to pair your cheese and your seasoning!
- Pecans: pecans add crunch and texture to the outside of the cheese ball. You could also use walnuts or cashews– or cheetos if you want to be fancy.
Substitutions & Variations
The beauty of cheese balls is that you can make it your own by replacing the shredded cheddar cheese with another yellow or orange-colored cheese. You can also swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds.
Halloween
Cheese Board
Get inspired with this spooky Halloween Cheese Board. We’ll teach you how to prepare a simple cheese board and how to make it a little creepy for Halloween.
FAQ
What other cheese can I use in place of cheddar cheese?
You can use gouda cheese or any other type of cheese that has an orange hue.
What can I use as a stem?
You can make the stem edible and use asparagus or a piece of cucumber. Or you can use a stick that you’ve painted green, get creative.
Can I add flavors or herbs?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to give the ball some heat or any other spice mix you have on hand.
Storage Suggestions
Rewrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with homemade cheese crackers, focaccia, or next to other cheesy appetizers.
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup toasted pecan pieces
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it is smooth– about 1 minute.
- Add the cheddar, parsley, garlic powder, and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined– make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Loosely tie the cheese ball with four pieces of kitchen twine, making sure to space them about 1” apart. You could also use rubber bands if you don’t have kitchen twine on hand. The goal is just to create small divots in the ball so be gentle!
- Transfer the cheese ball to the fridge and allow it to set for at least 4 hours (or up to overnight).
- When ready to serve, add the pecan pieces to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are a fine crumb.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the pecan pieces until completely covered. Garnish the top with a bell pepper stem, if desired.
- Serve the cheese ball with crackers or vegetables and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
