Halloween is one of those magical times of the year when the house is filled with laughter, little feet in costumes, and the smell of comforting treats. And if you’re looking for a fun, festive, and downright delicious party snack, this Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball is the star of the table!
It’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit spooky (in the cutest way possible). The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up in minutes with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a family party, sending treats to a fall potluck, or just cozying up for a scary movie night, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer / Party Snack |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes (chilling time only) |
| Servings | 10–12 servings |
| Calories | ~200 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper (orange or red)
- 1 pretzel rod or bell pepper stem (for pumpkin stem)
- Plastic wrap and kitchen twine (for shaping)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Mix the base
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, green onions, and bell peppers. Mix until fully combined. - Shape the ball
Place mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather edges and form into a ball. - Create pumpkin ridges
Wrap kitchen twine (loosely) around the wrapped cheese ball to create 6–8 sections, just like a pumpkin. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results). - Unwrap & decorate
Remove twine and plastic wrap. Insert a pretzel rod or bell pepper stem at the top to complete the pumpkin look. - Serve & enjoy
Place on a serving platter surrounded by crackers, veggies, or pretzels. Serve chilled.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Make ahead: This cheese ball can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
- Softening trick: If cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before mixing.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Nutty crunch: Roll the outside of the ball in finely chopped pecans or walnuts before chilling.
- Lighter version: Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to cut calories.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with buttery crackers, pretzel sticks, or sliced baguette.
- Add a veggie tray with celery, cucumber, and carrot sticks for dipping.
- For a Halloween spread, serve alongside spooky snacks like spider-shaped deviled eggs or candy corn mix.
Conclusion
This Halloween Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball is equal parts festive and delicious. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to disappear before the night is over. Whether you’re sharing it with neighbors, friends, or family in costumes, it brings a little extra magic to your Halloween table.