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Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls – The Cutest Party Appetizer Ever!
These Mini Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Balls are just too cute not to serve at your next fall party!
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash, a Friendsgiving get-together, or a cozy autumn picnic, these festive bites bring fun, flavor, and a whole lot of charm to your party table.
They’re creamy, cheesy, and totally adorable—perfect for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30–60 minutes (total)
Yields: 15 mini cheese balls (approx. 1 tbsp each)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, finely shredded
- 1 chive, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Step-by-step Guide:
1 – Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2 – Add in the shredded cheese, chives, spices, salt, and pepper.
3 – Stir well to combine.
4 – Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes until slightly firm
5 – Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and roll each ball gently in the finely shredded orange cheddar.
6 – Press lightly so it adheres.
7 – Use a toothpick or skewer to gently press vertical lines around the sides to make them look like mini pumpkins.
8 – Insert a small piece of pretzel stick in the top as a “stem.”
9 – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up and hold shape.
10. Remove from refrigerator just before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success:
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Use block cheese, not pre-shredded – Freshly shredded cheese sticks better and tastes richer.
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Dry the cheddar coating – Let your shredded orange cheddar sit out for 10–15 minutes so it clings better to the cheese balls.
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Mix in a food processor – This makes the cheese ball base super smooth and easy to scoop.
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Try fun mix-ins – Add crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for flavor twists.
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Serve with variety – Pair them with crackers, sliced cucumbers, or apple slices for a mix of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, a fall harvest picnic, or a festive Friendsgiving spread, these Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are sure to be a hit.
They’re cute, crowd-pleasing, and full of cozy flavor.
So grab your pretzels, your favorite fall playlist, and get ready to wow your guests with the easiest party appetizer ever!
Pumpkin Cheese Balls
Yield:
15 cheese balls (approx.)
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Additional Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, finely shredded
- 1 chive, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add in the shredded cheese, chives, spices, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes until slightly firm
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and roll each ball gently in the finely shredded orange cheddar.
6. Press lightly so it adheres.
7. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently press vertical lines around the sides to make them look like mini pumpkins.
8. Insert a small piece of pretzel stick in the top as a “stem.”
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up and hold shape.
