Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Pumpkin Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Easy Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for fall gatherings and Halloween parties. Made with full-fat cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sour cream, chives, and crispy turkey bacon, this creamy and savory cheese ball is shaped and decorated to resemble a pumpkin. It’s easy to make ahead, chilled to set, and served with crackers and fresh veggies for a delightful crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Base

  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese (454 grams)
  • 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream (60 grams)
  • 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded and divided (350 grams)
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives (12 grams)
  • 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought ranch seasoning (28 grams / 1-ounce packet)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 strips thick-cut turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For Shaping and Serving

  • 1 bell pepper, stem only (to use as pumpkin stem)
  • Crackers and/or fresh veggies, for serving
  • Black olives (optional, for Jack o'lantern decoration)

Instructions

  1. Mix the cheese ball filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/4 cups (125 grams) of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and crumbled turkey bacon. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat until the mixture is very smooth, scraping the sides 2-3 times. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as desired.
  2. Shape the cheese ball: Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap to help, shape the cheese into an oval resembling a pumpkin. This can also be done with clean hands or a rubber spatula, but it will be sticky.
  3. Coat with cheddar: Unwrap the shaped cheese ball and press the remaining shredded cheddar cheese all over the bottom, sides, and top to cover completely without gaps. Re-wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  4. Create pumpkin indentations: Cut 4 long strips of kitchen twine and tie them around the cheese ball in a criss-cross pattern to mimic pumpkin ridges. The tighter the twine, the deeper the indentations. Alternatively, large rubber bands can be used. Refer to photos on the blog post for guidance.
  5. Chill the cheese ball: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing it to firm up and develop flavors. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes for optimal creaminess.
  6. Add final touches and serve: Snip the kitchen twine carefully. Using a teaspoon, make a small indentation on top for the pumpkin stem and insert the bell pepper stem piece. Serve the cheese ball with crackers and fresh veggies.
  7. Optional Jack o’lantern decoration: Cut black olives in half lengthwise, then slice each half into small triangles of uniform size for eyes, nose, and mouth shapes. Press olives into the cheese ball forming a face. Use small toothpick pieces to secure olives if needed.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit turkey bacon or substitute with a vegetarian bacon alternative.
  • Make the cheese ball a day ahead to save time and allow flavors to meld.
  • Use different colored bell peppers for varied pumpkin stem appearances.
  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/easy-pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe/