Name: Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cream cheese; Shredded cheddar cheese; Worcestershire sauce; Garlic powder; Crushed tortilla chips; Celery stick or pretzel stick (for the “stem”); Crackers, veggie sticks, or chips (for serving)

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A Pumpkin Cheese Ball is the ultimate fall appetizer—festive, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s creamy, crunchy, and shaped like a pumpkin, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any cozy fall get-together. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, I can pull this off in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines visual appeal with bold, savory flavor. The mix of cream cheese and cheddar gives it a rich and creamy base, while Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder add a depth of taste that keeps guests coming back for more. The crushed tortilla chips on the outside add the perfect crunch and pop of pumpkin color. It’s festive without being fussy, and it goes great with almost any dippable side.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Crushed tortilla chips
Celery stick or pretzel stick (for the “stem”)
Crackers, veggie sticks, or chips for serving

Directions

I combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl.
I mix everything until it’s completely smooth and well blended.
Then I shape the cheese mixture into a round ball.
I roll the cheese ball in crushed tortilla chips until it’s fully coated and has a bright orange color.
I stick a piece of celery or pretzel stick in the top to mimic the pumpkin stem.
I chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour so it can firm up before serving.
When it’s ready, I serve it on a platter with crackers, veggie sticks, or extra chips.

Servings and timing

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball serves about 8–10 people, depending on how much everyone digs in. I usually prep it in just 15 minutes, then let it chill for an hour. It’s a quick and easy make-ahead appetizer that doesn’t require any cooking or baking.

Variations

Sometimes I like to change things up by adding finely chopped green onions, jalapeños, into the cheese mixture for an extra kick. If I want a spicier version, I swap out regular shredded cheddar for pepper jack. I can also switch the coating to crushed cheese crackers or hot Cheetos for a twist on flavor and color.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. I don’t reheat it—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If the coating gets a bit soggy over time, I just roll it in some fresh crushed chips before serving again.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make a pumpkin cheese ball?

I like to make it up to a day in advance. It actually gets better as it chills, and the flavors meld together more.

Can I freeze a cheese ball?

I don’t recommend freezing it, since the texture of cream cheese changes after thawing and can become grainy.

What can I use instead of tortilla chips for the coating?

If I don’t have tortilla chips, I’ve used crushed cheese crackers, Doritos, or even panko crumbs with a bit of paprika for color.

Is there a vegan version of this cheese ball?

Yes, I can use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar, along with a plant-based Worcestershire alternative to make a vegan version.

Can I make this into mini cheese balls?

Absolutely! I like to divide the mixture into smaller portions and shape them into mini pumpkins—perfect for individual servings or party trays.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is one of my go-to fall appetizers—it’s simple, festive, and full of creamy, cheesy flavor. Whether I’m hosting a Halloween party or just having friends over for drinks, this dip always brings smiles to the table. It’s easy to customize and even easier to make ahead, making entertaining stress-free and delicious.