Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

If you’re looking for a festive and savory appetizer for fall parties or Halloween gatherings, Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are the perfect treat.

These adorable, bite-sized cheese balls are shaped like tiny pumpkins, combining creamy cheese flavors with crunchy coatings for a fun and delicious snack everyone will love.

🧀 What Are Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls?

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are a creative twist on the classic cheese ball appetizer.

Instead of one large ball, the mixture is divided into smaller portions and shaped into pumpkins.

They’re made from a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and savory seasonings, then rolled in crushed chips or paprika for that beautiful orange pumpkin hue.

Each ball is finished with a pretzel stick or celery piece as a “stem.”

🎃 Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup crushed cheese crackers or chips (for coating)

• Pretzel sticks or small celery pieces (for stems)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Shape the pumpkins: Scoop about a tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a small ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Coat the cheese balls: Roll each ball in crushed cheese crackers or chips until evenly coated.

Add pumpkin lines: Use a toothpick or butter knife to gently press vertical lines around each ball to mimic pumpkin ridges.

Finish with stems: Insert a pretzel stick or celery piece on top of each ball as a stem.

Chill before serving: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

🥨 Serving Ideas

Serve your Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls on a platter with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.

They pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.

These mini cheese pumpkins also make great appetizers for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or fall-themed gatherings.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add a little heat by mixing in finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Use different coatings like crushed nuts, paprika, or Doritos for unique flavors.

• For a smoky taste, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or bacon bits.

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

A festive fall appetizer made with creamy cheese, shaped into adorable mini pumpkins — perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 mini cheese balls

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz 225 g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup crushed cheese crackers or chips for coating
• Pretzel sticks or celery pieces for stems
• Fresh parsley optional (for garnish)

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Roll the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
3. Coat each ball with crushed cheese crackers or chips.
4. Use a toothpick or butter knife to press lines around the sides, creating a pumpkin-like shape.
5. Insert a small pretzel stick or celery piece on top as the pumpkin stem.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Add a little spice with minced jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
• Try crushed nuts or paprika instead of crackers for a different coating.
• For smoky flavor, mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or bacon bits.