Irresistible Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball in Just 6 Ingredients

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m obsessed with turning everyday snacks into something festive. Take this pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with everything seasoning, for example. What started as a last-minute party hack (I had a block of cream cheese and a serious craving for bagels) turned into my go-to fall appetizer. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy. Just mix, shape, roll, and boom—you’ve got a savory pumpkin that looks like you spent hours on it. The everything seasoning adds that addictive crunch and flavor, while the bell pepper stem? Pure genius if I do say so myself. Trust me, this cheese ball disappears faster than Halloween candy at my house.

Table of contents:

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

This cheese ball is a total crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:

• Effortlessly festive: Turns any snack table into a seasonal showstopper with just a little shaping and a bell pepper stem.
• Crave-worthy flavor: That everything seasoning? It’s like your favorite bagel met a cheeseball and magic happened.
• No-stress entertaining: Whip it up ahead of time—it actually gets better as it chills.
• Gets everyone talking: I’ve never brought this to a party without someone asking for the recipe.

Seriously, it’s the appetizer that does all the work while you take the credit.

Ingredients for Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Here’s what you’ll need to make this adorable (and delicious) pumpkin-shaped cheese ball. Pay attention to the details—they make all the difference!

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – Leave it out for 30 minutes first. Cold cream cheese will give your arms a workout!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I use sharp cheddar for extra flavor. Pre-shredded works, but block cheese melts smoother.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Trust me, this little bit adds major savory depth.
• 1 tsp onion powder – The secret weapon that makes people say “what IS that delicious flavor?”
• 2 tbsp everything seasoning – The star of the show! Use store-bought or make your own blend.
• 1 bell pepper stem – Choose a green one with some curve for that perfect pumpkin look.

That’s it! Just six simple ingredients for the cutest cheese ball you’ve ever made.

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these basic tools—chances are you’ve got them already!

• Mixing bowl – Medium-sized works best for easy stirring
• Rubber spatula – To scrape every last bit of cheesy goodness
• Measuring spoons – For those perfectly balanced seasonings
• Plastic wrap – Essential for chilling without sticking
• Small plate – To hold your everything seasoning for rolling

That’s all! No fancy gadgets needed for this cheesy masterpiece.

How to Make Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making your pumpkin-shaped cheese ball! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the perfect party-ready appetizer in no time. And don’t worry, I’ve included all my little tricks to make sure yours turns out just right.

Shaping the Pumpkin

First, dump all your ingredients into that mixing bowl and give them a good stir with your spatula. Get it nice and smooth—no rogue chunks of cream cheese allowed! Now, here’s the secret: wet hands or gloves. The mixture will be sticky, but if you lightly dampen your hands (or wear disposable gloves), you can shape it without the cheese clinging to you like it’s new best friend.

Gently form the mixture into a ball, then start sculpting it into your pumpkin shape. I like to make mine slightly squat—real pumpkins aren’t perfect spheres! Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. This helps it firm up so the seasoning sticks better later.

Coating with Everything Seasoning

When your cheese ball is firm, spread your everything seasoning on a plate. Unwrap your pumpkin and gently roll it across the plate, turning it slightly as you go to coat every part. Don’t press too hard—you want an even coat, not a crushed shape! I sometimes use a spoon to sprinkle seasoning over any bare spots. And here’s a pro tip: roll a second layer if you want extra crunch and flavor.

Decorating with Bell Pepper Stem

Find a bell pepper stem with a slight curve—it looks more “stem-like” than a straight one. Press it lightly into the top center of your pumpkin. If it doesn’t stick, a tiny smear of cream cheese on the base of the stem acts as glue. That’s it! Your snack is now officially adorable and ready to impress.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

After making this cheese ball more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips:

• Chill like you mean it: That hour in the fridge makes shaping SO much easier—don’t skip it!
• Gloves are your friend: Disposable gloves prevent sticky fingers and keep your pumpkin smooth.
• Season to taste: Love garlic? Add an extra pinch! Want heat? Mix in some cayenne with your everything seasoning.
• Patience with the stem: If your bell pepper stem won’t stick, dab a tiny bit of cream cheese as “glue.”

Follow these, and you’ll have the most photogenic (and tasty) cheese ball on the table!

Variations for Your Cheese Ball

This recipe is super flexible—make it your own! Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like some heat, or try smoked Gouda for extra depth. Not an everything seasoning fan? Roll it in crushed pecans or crispy bacon bits instead. For a fall twist, mix in a dash of pumpkin pie spice with the cream cheese. The pumpkin shape stays cute no matter what flavors you choose!

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin-shaped cheese ball deserves a proper stage! I love serving it with crispy bagel chips (hello, everything seasoning synergy!) or sturdy crackers that can handle a generous scoop. For a healthier twist, surround it with sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers—the colors make your snack spread look as festive as the cheese ball itself. Pro tip: Place it on a wooden board with autumn leaves scattered around for instant Pinterest-worthy vibes. Watch it disappear faster than you can say “cheese please!”

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Pop your pumpkin-shaped cheese ball in an airtight container—it’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3-4 days. No reheating needed (and trust me, you wouldn’t want to melt that adorable shape anyway!). Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Just between us—this is party food, not health food, but here’s the scoop on what you’re enjoying! Nutrition will vary based on your exact ingredients, but per serving (about 2 tablespoons), you’re looking at roughly:

• 120 calories
• 10g fat (6g saturated)
• 2g carbs
• 4g protein

Remember, that bell pepper stem is basically a freebie—zero guilt there! The everything seasoning adds minimal calories but maximum flavor. Enjoy responsibly (or not—I won’t judge if you eat it by the spoonful).

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this pumpkin-shaped cheese ball:

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. This cheese ball actually gets better after chilling overnight—the flavors meld beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the everything seasoning and bell pepper stem right before serving so they stay fresh and crunchy.

What can I substitute for everything seasoning?

No everything bagel seasoning? No problem! Mix 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 tsp poppy seeds, and 1/2 tsp coarse salt. Or go simple with sesame seeds and flaky salt—still delicious! You could even use crushed pretzels for that salty crunch.

How do I prevent sticking?

Three words: wet. your. hands. Lightly damp hands (or disposable gloves) make shaping a breeze. If the cheese still sticks, pop the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up. For the coating, chill your shaped pumpkin first—cold cheese grabs the seasoning better without sticking to your fingers!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the easiest way to turn cream cheese into the life of the party! I can’t wait for you to see your guests’ faces when you bring out this adorable pumpkin. Give it a try, snap a pic, and tag me—I love seeing your cheesy creations. Now go forth and spread that everything-seasoned joy!

You can find more delicious recipes and baking inspiration on Pinterest.

Print