Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls – The Cutest Party Appetizer Ever!

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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:

  • Use block cheese, not pre-shredded – Freshly shredded cheese sticks better and tastes richer.

  • Dry the cheddar coating – Let your shredded orange cheddar sit out for 10–15 minutes so it clings better to the cheese balls.

  • Mix in a food processor – This makes the cheese ball base super smooth and easy to scoop.

  • Try fun mix-ins – Add crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for flavor twists.

  • 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!

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