Looking for a festive and delicious appetizer that will wow your guests at your next gathering? This pumpkin cheese ball is not only super easy to make, but it also adds a playful and seasonal touch to your fall spread. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant orange color, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or Halloween party.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Made with a blend of cream cheese, Velveeta, and sharp cheddar, this cheese ball offers a rich and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with your favorite crackers and veggies. The addition of garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce adds an extra layer of depth, making it a hit among both cheese lovers and casual snackers alike. Plus, it’s fun to shape and decorate!

Once you’ve whipped up this delightful cheese ball, the real fun begins. With a little creativity, you can transform it into a pumpkin by using crushed cheese curls for texture and a bell pepper stem for that classic pumpkin look. Not only will your guests be impressed by its appearance, but they’ll be asking for seconds after tasting this creamy, cheesy treat!

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Festive Presentation: The pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is a fun and creative addition to any fall gathering or Halloween party, instantly enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Delicious Flavor Combination: With the blend of cream cheese, Velveeta, and sharp cheddar, along with the savory hints of garlic and Worcestershire sauce, this cheese ball offers a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with crackers and veggies.
Easy to Make: The straightforward preparation makes it accessible for anyone, even if they’re not a seasoned cook. Just mix the ingredients, shape, and decorate, and you have an impressive appetizer ready to serve.
Versatile Pairings: The cheese ball can be served with a variety of dippers, from crunchy crackers to fresh veggies, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Make-Ahead Option: It can be prepared in advance, allowing hosts to save time on the day of their event while still offering a delicious and impressive snack for guests.

With some basic ingredients like cream cheese, Velveeta cheese, sharp cheddar, some spices, and crushed cheese curls you will be enjoying this in no time!

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened

½ pound Velvetta cheese, room temperature

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups crushed cheese curls

1 bell pepper stem

How to Make a Pumpkin Cheese ball

In a large mixing bowl, beat together all of the ingredients until completely blended.

Using plastic wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap. Then, use the stem of a paintbrush or pencil to create the vertical lines of a pumpkin. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remove the plastic wrap and roll the cheese ball in crushed cheese curls, coating the entire cheese ball. If needed, remove the excess crumbs from the pumpkin lines or press deeper lines into the cheese ball.

Transfer to a serving plate and press the bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball.

Serve with crackers or vegetable dippers.

Tips & Tricks

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese and Velveeta are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother texture and easier blending.
Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. For a spicier kick, try adding some pepper jack cheese or a different blend of sharp cheeses.
Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like chives or parsley. This adds freshness and a pop of color to your cheese ball.
Chill Time: For best results, let the cheese ball chill in the fridge for at least an hour after shaping. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to roll in the cheese curls.
Creative Garnishing: Instead of a bell pepper stem, consider using pretzel sticks or a cinnamon stick for a fun twist on the pumpkin stem.
Make Individual Servings: If you want to make individual cheese balls, you can shape smaller portions and decorate them similarly. This can be great for parties where guests can grab their own.
Serving Suggestions: Pair the cheese ball with a variety of dippers, such as assorted crackers, sliced vegetables, or even apple slices for a sweet contrast.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to a month; just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Yes, you can make this 2 - 3 days in advance. You will want to keep it tightly wrapped in the plastic covered in the fridge. Be sure to not add the cheese curls or the stem until you are about ready to serve.

FAQs

Yes! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Serve it with an assortment of crackers, sliced vegetables, or pretzel chips. It also pairs well with fruits like apples or grapes for a sweet contrast.

Yes, you can freeze the cheese ball! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Name: Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; ½ pound Velvetta cheese, room temperature; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups crushed cheese curls; 1 bell pepper stem

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

This pumpkin cheese ball is super festive to enjoy in the fall, for Halloween, and Thanksgiving. It is super easy to make and a huge hit to everyone you serve it to. Wow your guests with this easy pumpkin cheese ball.

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ pound Velvetta cheese, room temperature
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups crushed cheese curls
1 bell pepper stem

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together all of the ingredients until completely blended.
Using plastic wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap. Then, use the stem of a paintbrush or pencil to create the vertical lines of a pumpkin. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Remove the plastic wrap and roll the cheese ball in crushed cheese curls, coating the entire cheese ball. If needed, remove the excess crumbs from the pumpkin lines or press deeper lines into the cheese ball.
Transfer to a serving plate and press the bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball.
Serve with crackers or vegetable dippers.

Notes

Yield: 1 large cheese ball

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 454Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 718mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 16g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Pumpkin Cheese Ball: A Fun and Tasty Appetizer for Fall