Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball for Halloween or Thanksgiving

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Updated 2023.

pumpkin cheese ball

Whether you’re throwing a spooky soiree for Halloween, hosting Thanksgiving or celebrating the arrival of fall (good bye, summer heat!) at a friend’s, this pumpkin cheese ball is the perfect appetizer (just like my Pinecone Cheese Ball). With cheddar and cream cheese (and did I mention the adorable pumpkin shape!?), it goes with just about anything! Crackers, veggies, bread, pita chips, pretzels, you name it and it will taste good. You can also totally customize it to your flavor preferences (check out the list below), so make it for your next fall cheese board! 

And if you love this pumpkin-shaped cheese ball, you’ll love my Puff Pastry Pumpkin Brie recipe.

Need other Halloween ideas? Try Halloween Cheese Board, Halloween Muffin Tin Board, and Halloween Candy Board. For more autumnal ideas, check out my Fall Harvest Salad, Elevated Fall Cheese Board, Fall Burrata Board, Fall Dessert Board, Whipped Burrata Dip, Thanksgiving Turkey Board, and Thanksgiving Snack Board.

pumpkin cheese ball for halloween

How to Make a Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated cheddar cheese, divided 
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bell pepper, stem removed

Directions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheese until thoroughly combined. (See below for more ingredient options!)
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball, then coat in the remaining shredded cheese to cover the outside of the cheese ball.
  • Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap continuing to shape into a round ball.
  • Wrap twine around the cheese ball four times (or use 4 large rubber bands) tightly around the wrapped cheese ball to shape into a pumpkin. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
  • Remove the twine and plastic wrap.
  • Press bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball where all the lines intersect.

Pro tip: To avoid food waste, slice your pepper and serve on the side to scoop up cheese! Yum. 

Pumpkin Cheese Ball Video Tutorial

@ainttooproudtomeg

🎃🧀Pumpkin Cheese Ball 🧀🎃 @ainttooproudtomeg #foodtok #learnfromme #feedfeed #cheesetok INGREDIENTS: * 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature * 1 1/2 cups finely grated cheddar cheese, divided  * Kosher salt * Freshly ground black pepper * 1 bell pepper, stem removed * See below for suggested fillings FILLINGS: This recipe is pretty mild–perfect for kids (see it on my Cinderella Board), so if you want to add more flavor try some of these mix-ins: * Crumbled bacon * Chopped jalapeño * Olives * Garlic & parmesan * Sliced scallions * Lump crab meat  * Spinach & artichoke * Chopped pimento * Chopped chives DIRECTIONS: * In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheese until thoroughly combined. (See below for more ingredient options!) * Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball, then coat in the remaining shredded cheese to cover the outside of the cheese ball. * Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap continuing to shape into a round ball. * Wrap twine around the cheese ball four times (or use 4 large rubber bands) tightly around the wrapped cheese ball to shape into a pumpkin. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight. * Remove the twine and plastic wrap. * Press bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball where all the lines intersect. Pro tip: To avoid food waste, slice your pepper and serve on the side to scoop up cheese! Yum

♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul

Other Cheese Ball Fillings

This recipe is pretty mild–perfect for kids (see it on my Cinderella Board), so if you want to add more flavor try some of these mix-ins:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped jalapeño
  • Olives
  • Garlic & parmesan
  • Sliced scallions
  • Lump crab meat 
  • Spinach & artichoke
  • Chopped pimento
  • Chopped chives

Show Me Your Cheese Balls

I hope this post inspires you to make this recipe. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads and snacks you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

4.84 from 24 votes

Description

Make this holiday cheese ball and wow your guests at your halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner!

Ingredients
  

  • 2 8oz blocks cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated cheddar cheese divided
  • Kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bell pepper stem removed

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheese until thoroughly combined.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball, then coat in the remaining shredded cheese to cover the outside of the cheese ball.
  • Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap continuing to shape into a round ball.
  • Wrap twine around the cheese ball four times (or use 4 large rubber bands) tightly around the wrapped cheese ball to shape into a pumpkin. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
  • Remove the twine and plastic wrap. Press bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball where all the lines intersect.
  • If you want to add some more flavor, check out the mix-ins in the blog post!
Tried this recipe?Rate & Review!

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Rate & Review

Recipe Rating




32 Reviews

  1. Diana wrote:

    Thankyou! Looking forward to making this to take to Thanksgiving dinner this year.

    Posted 9.26.22 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      Wahoo! let me know what you think. I always appreciate ratings on my recipes. I hope you love it! And be sure to check out the various flavor options above.

      Posted 9.28.22 Reply
    • Kendra S wrote:

      5 stars
      This cheese ball is taking fall to a whole new level. Cheese dip and I go way back, but never have I had more fun making something so festive and delicious. My kids can even make this!

      Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  2. Heidi wrote:

    This looks so festive and I can’t wait to serve it on Sunday! is it too early to make it Friday? And leave in the fridge until Sunday afternoon?

    Posted 10.7.22 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      yay! Ideally I like making everything the day of or prior, but with this, I think you could go up to number 4 in the recipe directions and leave it in the plastic wrap and twine from friday to sunday, then open up and serve on sunday.

      Posted 10.25.22 Reply
  3. Becca wrote:

    1 star
    Calls for ingredients in the list and video but doesn’t tell you how much or where to mix it in. Impossible to follow

    Posted 10.29.22 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      Hi there, did you see the recipe instructions in the post at the bottom?

      Posted 11.1.22 Reply
    • Rose wrote:

      5 stars
      This was a big hit! Super cute and delicious!

      Posted 11.19.22 Reply
      • Laura J. wrote:

        5 stars
        Very easy to make ahead. Liked the suggested possible add ins.

        Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  4. Sai wrote:

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe and a highlight at the Halloween party!

    Posted 11.3.22 Reply
  5. Vicky wrote:

    5 stars
    Made this super easy pumpkin cheeseball for a girls dinner I hosted, it not only tasted fabulous but presented beautifully. Made me feel oh so crafty talented too!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  6. Kathy wrote:

    5 stars
    I made this today for Thanksgiving and it was a hit!! Everyone was impressed that it looked like a pumpkin. And it also tasted great. The flavors were simple and classic. Added a little garlic powder and onion powder and it was perfect!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  7. Carlin wrote:

    5 stars
    Show stopper quality AND super easy! Only downside is that it needs to chill for a while, but it’s worth it. On the plus side – zero oven time. Incorporated into a Halloween and fall board and looked fab! 10/10 would recommend!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  8. Kimberly Brandstetter wrote:

    5 stars
    This is so perfect! I love the shape and the recipe is fantastic. Meg, you make it easy for everyone to serve beautiful and delicious food! Thank you!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  9. Christine Prowak wrote:

    5 stars
    Absolutely the cutest fall appetizer, and delicious too!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  10. JEN` wrote:

    5 stars
    Love this!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  11. Laura wrote:

    5 stars
    This was a hit on Thanksgiving! It was also really easy to let my 4yo help me make it and she was delighted by the results. We used a pretzel rod for the stem since we didn’t have other bell pepper plans that day, and we snuck in a little paprika. Added this to my recipe box with a whole list of add-in options for next time!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  12. Kathy wrote:

    5 stars
    This was SO fun to make! I converted the entire recipe to dairy-free and everyone raved about it: the presentation, the flavor and just how plain cute it is. Since finding this site in early September, I’ve had more fun creating really great spreads and it’s really made entertaining so fun. Thanks, Meg!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  13. Jennifer Savino wrote:

    5 stars
    My new go-to in the fall. Adorable!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  14. Patsy Rivera wrote:

    5 stars
    This is the cutest and tastiest little pumpkin cheese ball. I’m always up for a theme and this recipe is great. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  15. Ema wrote:

    5 stars
    This was such a cute idea! I copied it and added bacon and jalapeño to make a delicious pumpkin for a Halloween party!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  16. Nancyf wrote:

    5 stars
    Made this pumpkin shaped cheddar cheese ball along with homemade raincoast crisps…..delicious and oh,, so cute!!! Thank you for some great ideas and useful tips!

    Posted 11.25.22 Reply
  17. Jenny wrote:

    5 stars
    I made 2 of these and took one to Thanksgiving and the other to a Friendsgiving. Everyone was so impressed and they tasted great! I used one brick of plain cream cheese and a tub of garlic and herb cream cheese. It tasted great!

    Posted 11.26.22 Reply
  18. Neimy Rivera wrote:

    5 stars
    Oohh saving this for next year!!

    Posted 11.26.22 Reply
  19. Auriana wrote:

    5 stars
    LOVE this recipe! Made it for Halloween and Thanksgiving, and it was a hit both times! So easy and delicious, and I love that you can make it ahead!

    Posted 11.26.22 Reply
  20. Jill Benscoter wrote:

    5 stars
    I made this as a centerpiece for a Thanksgiving board and it was a hit! Super cute and very easy to make ahead.

    Posted 11.29.22 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      Ahhhh. So happy to hear that, Jill!!

      Posted 11.29.22 Reply
  21. Cindy wrote:

    5 stars
    This was a big hit with my bookclub. It turned out just like your photos and I served it on a wooden board with an assortment of crackers. I used one regular block of cream cheese and one less-fat. I also added one teaspoon of Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute, which was a tasty twist. Such a great appetizer to start Fall and on to Thanksgiving!

    Posted 9.27.23 Reply
  22. Julie wrote:

    I’m going to use jalepeno cream cheese in mine

    Posted 10.23.23 Reply
  23. Joyce Kramer wrote:

    5 stars
    So cute!

    Posted 11.17.23 Reply
  24. Cathy Oswald wrote:

    5 stars
    Beautiful, and oh so yummy!

    Posted 11.17.23 Reply
  25. Jennifer Savino wrote:

    I love making this for family and friends. Always get a ton of compliments on it. Adorable!

    Posted 11.17.23 Reply