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+ servings

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Print Recipe
A festive fall cheese ball appetizer shaped like a pumpkin — creamy, cheesy, and perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any holiday party!
Course Appetizer, Condiment, Dip, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 8-oz packages)
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese finely shredded (freshly shredded, not pre-packaged), divided
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced (reserve the stem for garnish)
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, garlic powder, hot sauce, and oregano until smooth and well blended.
  • Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of the remaining shredded cheddar onto the wrap. Place the cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with the rest of the shredded cheddar.
  • Wrap the cheese ball tightly with two layers of plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up, then reshape into a ball if needed.
  • Wrap 4 pieces of twine (or rubber bands) around the cheese ball to create 8 pumpkin-like ridges. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • Before serving, carefully remove the twine and plastic wrap. Press the reserved bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball to complete the pumpkin look.
  • Serve on a tray surrounded by crackers, sliced veggies, or as part of a charcuterie board.