Last month, I decided to make a pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with chips because I was hosting a little fall gathering with just my family, no friends. In fact, I accidentally made a little mistake when I was wrapping it with rubber bands, but thank god that it still looked like a real pumpkin. These days, cheese and crackers are loved by everyone, so it’s a reason to try this recipe.

The cheese ball reminded me of when I made my Harvest Punch for the same kind of gathering. Overall, the flavors were so bright that everyone kept asking for more. Honestly, I love snacks like this that are simple; even if they aren’t perfect or you want to add some ingredients like sriracha if you love spice, for this cheeseball, they still taste perfect.

I love that this recipe lets you get creative because you can decorate the pumpkin with herbs or peppers, and it still works perfectly, and then everyone kept taking photos and comparing who got the first piece, and I couldn’t help thinking how little moments like this make hosting so special, and it made me realize that baking or preparing seasonal treats isn’t about perfection; it’s about joy, memories, and a little mess along the way.

While the cheese ball was being devoured, I secretly hoped there would be leftovers because it’s that good, and honestly, if you’ve never tried making a pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with chips, you’re in the right place because it’s fun, easy, and perfect for any autumn gathering, especially when paired with something cozy like Autumn Harvest Punch.

Ingredients

2 packs (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
Pretzel stick (for the pumpkin stem)
Fresh parsley or green onion top (for pumpkin leaves)
Chips, crackers, or veggies for serving

How to make a Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball With Chips

Step 1:

Mix the base. In a large bowl, put the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Use a spoon or mixer to stir until smooth and creamy. It should look soft and easy to spread.

Step 2:

Add the flavor. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix again until all the spices disappear into the cheese.

Step 3:

Mix in extras. Add the chopped green onions, bell peppers, and nuts. Stir so that every scoop has a little bit of everything.

Step 4:

Shape into a ball. Put plastic wrap on your counter, scoop all the cheese mix onto it, and gently press it into a round ball.

Step 5:

Make it look like a pumpkin. Use a piece of kitchen twine or the dull side of a butter knife to make little lines around the ball, like pumpkin ridges. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours so it gets firm.

Step 6:

Decorate the pumpkin. Before serving, place a pretzel stick in the top for the stem and a little parsley or green onion on top for the leaf.

Step 7:

Serve with fun dippers. Put your cheese pumpkin on a white plate, surround it with chips, crackers, or colorful veggie sticks, and enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Spoon or electric hand mixer
Plastic wrap
Knife (for chopping)
Cutting board
Kitchen twine or butter knife (for shaping)
Serving plate

What to Eat with this Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball With Chips

Last Thanksgiving, I tried this pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with chips, and it instantly became the recipe of the mouth. It was so fun and easy to make, and when I realized I had no paprika, as a result, I swapped it with a mild taco spice, which gave the same color and a little kick, because my mother likes spice a lot.

A dash of Sriracha sealed the deal, and my whole family couldn’t stop dipping into it, plus the crackers, of course. To balance my dishes, I baked a batch of Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies to pair them perfectly with the cheese ball’s richness.

For the table, I love serving it with a bowl of Autumn Harvest Punch and a platter of stuffed mushrooms with garlic and herbs, with the help of my aunt. At the end, your evening will feel cozy and exactly what you want, with laughter echoing around your table.

FAQ

What is the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball made of?

It is made of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, spices, and small bits of veggies or nuts.

What does the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball taste like?

It tastes creamy and slightly smoky with a little crunch from the veggies and nuts.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes, just leave out the nuts. It will still be delicious.

Can I make this cheese ball spicy?

Yes, add cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce.

How long can I keep the cheese ball in the fridge?

You can store it for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the cheese ball?

No, freezing changes the texture and makes it crumbly.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but you can mix it with mozzarella or Gouda.

Do I need to bake or cook this recipe?

No, it’s a no-cook recipe.

What can I dip into the cheese ball besides chips?

Veggies, crackers, pretzels, bread, or even apple slices taste great with it.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes, kids can help stir, shape the ball, and decorate the pumpkin.