5 from 6 votes

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Pinterest Hidden Image

This Pumpkin Cheese Ball appetizer comes together in just a few minutes and with five simple ingredients! Cream cheese gets mixed with green onion, Worcestershire sauce, and finely minced salami for a smoky and salty kick. Shape it like a cute little pumpkin for an extra festive touch this fall.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

If you need a fun, cute appetizer for a Halloween or Fall party, Thanksgiving, or just because, then you should put this cheese ball at the top of your list! Folks love cutting into the cheese ball and being surprised by the minced salami.

The adorable pumpkin shape is one everyone will enjoy, and the taste is even better! Cream cheese is whipped smooth with some irresistible flavors added in and then covered in shredded cheese.

Use crackers and veggies to dip into the cheese ball, and you will see just how addictive it is. Every time I make this Pumpkin shaped Cheese Ball recipe, it is always a hit!

The finished fall cheese ball that has been cut into showing that is has salami and green onion in it.

Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $0.30

Recipe Cost: $4.84

  • 8 ounces cream cheese – $1.96
  • 10 slices hard salami – $1.80
  • 4 green onions – $0.40
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – $0.02
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese – $0.64
  • 1 small pretzel stick – $0.02

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Make a Pumpkin Cheese Ball

  1. First, combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until smooth. 
  2. Next, shape the cheese into a ball shape.
  3. Then roll it in cheese, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge.
  4. Finally, shape it into a pumpkin and push the center of the top of the cheese ball in. Push the pretzel in the top to create the stem before serving.
  5. Serve with crackers, pretzels, and veggies.

A picture collage showing how to make a pumpkin cheese ball.

 

Recipe Variations

  •  You can use finely minced high-quality roast beef instead of salami. You can also use pepperoni.
  • If you are feeling creative, use green onion or parsley to create leaves for the pumpkin! You can also cut triangles from black olives to make a Jack-o’-lantern face for a not-so-spooky Halloween appetizer.

Storage Tips

Serve: Serve cold with firm crackers, such as Triscuits or Wheat Thins, pretzels, or with veggies. You can keep the pumpkin cheese ball out for about two hours before it needs to be covered and refrigerated.

Store: This can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can easily make this ahead of time for any holiday party.

Freeze: Wrap the ball tightly in plastic wrap and then tin foil before placing it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to one month. Remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge to defrost twenty-four hours before you would like to use it.

For more fall-time recipes, check out these Ultimate Fall Cookies, this Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip, and this Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

A pumpkin shaped cheese ball on a white platted surrounded by crackers.

Save The Recipe

Enter your email below & we’ll send a link to this recipe to your inbox & you’ll subscribe for new recipes

The finished Pumpkin Cheese Ball on a white serving platter surrounded by crackers and pretzels.
5 from 6 votes

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Recipe Cost $ $4.84
Serving Cost $ $0.30
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
16 people
This Pumpkin Cheese Ball appetizer comes together in just a few minutes and with five simple ingredients!

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • Measuring cups
  • rubber scraper

Ingredients
 
 

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 10 slices hard salami very finely minced
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small pretzel stick

Instructions

MAKE CHEESE MIXTURE:

  • Use a spatula to blend cream cheese, salami, green onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Season with salt as needed.

SHAPE CHEESE BALL:

  • Using a piece of plastic wrap, form the cheese into a ball shape. Roll the cheese ball in shredded cheddar to evenly coat. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • After the cheese ball is firm, shape it into a pumpkin using plastic wrap or waxed paper to help form the shape. Push the center of the top of the cheese ball in about ½” to create the indented top of the pumpkin where the stem will be. Place on a serving plate, Push the pretzel into the cheese ball to create the “stem.”

SERVE:

  • Serve cold with firm crackers, such as Triscuit or Wheat Thins, or pretzels.

Notes

● This recipe easily doubles to make one large cheese ball or two 8 ounce cheese balls.
● You can use finely minced high-quality roast beef instead of salami.
● If you are feeling creative, use green onion or parsley to create leaves for the pumpkin! You can also cut triangles from black olives to make a Jack-o’-lantern face for a not-so-spooky Halloween appetizer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz | Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

did you love this recipe?

Share it with me on Facebook and find more recipes on foodfolksandfun for more!

Recipe FAQs

What is a cheese ball made of?

The base is cream cheese with a few other ingredients whipped smooth and formed into a ball. This recipe calls for Worcestershire sauce, green onions, and salami in addition to the cream cheese. The ball is then covered in shredded cheese.

What do you eat with a cheese ball?

My favorites include veggie sticks, such as carrots, celery, and sweet peppers. Of course, crackers are also a must. However, you can also do pita chips, pretzels, and even toasted mini bagels.

How do you make a cheese ball firmer?

Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after forming the cheese ball into a pumpkin shape. Then place it in the fridge for one hour before rolling it in shredded cheese. This step is what will make the ball firm. 

An overhead picture of the finished Pumpkin Cheese Ball on a white serving platter.

5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Im so making this for my halloween party. This looks amazing!

  2. 5 stars
    That looks so yummy! I have big pumpkin and I know what I will make with it!

  3. 5 stars
    My daughter has been asking for chips every day after school. I’ve been trying to come up with different ways of serving chips and this pumpkin cheese ball is a perfect choice. I can’t wait to make this on the weekend, thank you!

  4. 5 stars
    I love this, perfect for Sunday to add to my selection of Halloween party food!

  5. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says:

    5 stars
    What a brilliant idea! I love the shape and the cheese has some great flavours and textures too!