Pumpkin Cheese Ball
This pumpkin cheese ball is a fun and tasty treat that's perfect for fall! Our pumpkin cheese ball is not only delicious, but it also looks like a cute little pumpkin that is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Fall is a special time of year when the leaves change color, the air gets a little cooler, and pumpkins are everywhere.
It's also a great time to try new recipes that celebrate this wonderful season.
One of our favorites is our Pumpkin Cheese Ball.
It's a fun, easy-to-make snack that looks just like a mini pumpkin. But the best part? It tastes amazing!
This recipe uses simple ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and everything bagel seasoning.
The cream cheese and cheddar cheese blend together to create a creamy, savory base. The everything bagel seasoning adds a burst of flavor that makes this cheese ball extra delicious. And to top it all off, a cinnamon stick is used as the 'stem' of the pumpkin, adding a hint of sweet spice.
Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
The Pumpkin Cheese Ball is perfect for many occasions.
It's a great snack for after school or for a weekend family gathering. It's also a fantastic addition to any Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner.
The cute pumpkin shape will make it a standout dish at any fall-themed event.
Here's why we love this recipe so much:
- Easy to Make: You don't need to be a master chef to make this recipe. It's simple and fun to put together.
- Delicious: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and everything bagel seasoning is incredibly tasty.
- Versatile: You can serve this cheese ball with any type of cracker you like. It's also great with sliced vegetables.
- Fun and Festive: The pumpkin shape makes this cheese ball perfect for fall celebrations. It's a dish that looks good and tastes good!
Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of the Pumpkin Cheese Ball, don't worry! It's easy to store and can be enjoyed for several days after you first make it.
Simply wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to a week.
As for making it ahead of time, that's absolutely possible!
You can prepare the cheese ball a day or two before you need it. Just remember to add the 'stem' (the cinnamon stick) and the bagel seasoning right before serving to keep them looking and tasting their best.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Here are some handy tips to make your Pumpkin Cheese Ball the best it can be:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and cheddar are at room temperature before you start. This will make them easier to mix together.
- Get Creative with Seasonings: While this recipe uses everything bagel seasoning, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a little bit of chili powder could be delicious.
- Shape with Care: To get the perfect pumpkin shape, take your time when forming the cheese ball. Don't worry if it's not perfect - it will still taste great!
- Make it Spooky: If you're making this for a Halloween party, consider decorating the cheese ball to look like a jack-o'-lantern. You could use pieces of a black olive for the eyes and mouth.
Favorite Dippers
Need some ideas on what to dip into the pumpkin cheese ball? Here are some favorites!
- Crackers: A classic choice that pairs well with the cheese ball. You can use any type you like, from whole grain crackers to buttery Ritz crackers, or even flavored crackers like rosemary or vegetable.
- Sliced Vegetables: For a healthier option, try sliced vegetables. Carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber rounds all make for delicious dippers.
- Pretzel Sticks: For a fun twist, pretzel sticks can add a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness that complements the cheese ball.
- Apple Slices: If you're feeling adventurous, try apple slices. The sweetness of the apple pairs surprisingly well with the savory cheese ball.
Ingredients in Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Cream Cheese: is the base of the cheese ball. It's important to have it at room temperature to make the cheese ball nice and smooth.
Shredded Cheddar: This adds a sharp, savory flavor to the cheese ball. I suggest that you shred your own cheese from a block for the best texture and flavor, as pre-shredded cheese can be coated in anti-caking agents that may affect the final result.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is used to coat the outside of the cheese ball.
Cinnamon Stick: This is used as the "stem" of the pumpkin. It's purely decorative, but it adds a fun, festive touch to the cheese ball.
Crackers: These are used for serving. Choose your favorite type of cracker to pair with the cheese ball.
How to Make Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe
Start by beating together your room temperature cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
Once the cheeses are well incorporated, scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl and transfer the cheese mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape the cheese mixture into a ball, then refrigerate it for two hours to allow it to firm up.
Once the cheese ball has chilled, unwrap it and place it on a plate with your everything bagel seasoning. Roll the cheese ball in the seasoning until it's fully coated. Then, use the back of a butter knife to score lines into the cheese ball to give it the appearance of a pumpkin.
Finally, place a cinnamon stick on top to act as the stem, and your Pumpkin Cheese Ball is ready to serve with your favorite crackers.
Enjoy this festive, flavorful appetizer at your next fall gathering!
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup everything bagel seasoning
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Crackers of your choice
Instructions
- Using the paddle attachment to your stand mixer, beat together cream cheese and shredded cheddar until well incorporated.
- Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl and transfer cheese mixture to a piece of saran wrap.
- Fold saran Wrap around the cheese mixture to create a ball / pumpkin like shape.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Unwrap the cheese ball from saran wrap and place on a plate with everything bagel seasoning. Roll in seasoning until well coated
- Using the back of a butter knife, score the cheese ball to give it the lines of a pumpkin.
- Place cinnamon stick on the top for a stem and serve!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
Nutrition
More Fun Fall Recipes:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Spooky Breakfast Pancakes
Pumpkin Monkey Muffins