Description
This festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball combines cream cheese, pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sharp cheddar rolled in crunchy nuts for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball:
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh, not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger (optional but recommended)
1–2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Coating:
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For Serving:
Crackers (butter crackers, water crackers, or whole grain)
Baguette slices, toasted
Fresh vegetables (celery sticks, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks)
Apple slices (optional, for a sweet contrast)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and pumpkin puree until smooth.
2. Stir in spices and shredded cheddar until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a ball and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts until coated evenly.
5. Serve chilled with crackers, bread slices, vegetables, or apple slices.
Notes
Add a drizzle of honey on top for a sweet twist.
Swap pecans for pepitas or crushed pretzels for extra crunch.
You can prepare this cheese ball a day ahead—just wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tbsp with crackers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Cheese Ball, Fall Appetizer, Pumpkin Party Dip, Holiday Cheese Ball