Pumpkin Cheeseball Recipe

These smoky pumpkin cheeseballs are a fun and festive twist on the classic appetizer. They are made with smoked cream cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion, and spices. Roll in your favorite seasoning and shape into a pumpkin for an inspired fall twist.

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer that doubles as a festive centerpiece, this pumpkin-shaped cheeseball recipe is it! I was inspired to make and recreate my holiday mini smoked cheeseball recipe into a mini pumpkin version. This was after seeing the mini pumpkin cheeseballs from Michael over at Inspired By Charm.

My version is made with smoked cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onion, and spices. Then it is rolled in colorful coatings for an adorable pumpkin shape. These mini or large cheeseballs are guaranteed to be the hit of your next fall party or Halloween gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cheeseballs

• They’re made with simple ingredients but look like an actual pumpkin.
• The smoked cream cheese base gives the best flavor and a touch of smoky richness.
• You can make them mini for individual bites or create one large ball for a show-stopping centerpiece.
• The color variety makes them so much fun to serve at any holiday or fall get-together.

Ingredients for Smoked Pumpkin Cheeseballs

To make these cheeseballs, you’ll start with smoked cream cheese as the base. Then combine it with sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onion for a creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness. You can season the cheeseball mixture with your favorite dry rub, ranch seasoning, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice. Cayenne pepper also works well.

For the coating, think beyond an ordinary cheese ball. Use Aleppo pepper (this isn’t spicy but smoky) for bold color. You can use bagel seasoning for crunch, crushed Cheez-Its for a golden pumpkin look, chopped pecans for texture, or bacon bits for savory depth. To finish the pumpkin stem, use fresh thyme sprigs, rosemary, or even a small bell pepper stem. This will add an extra realistic touch.

How to Smoke Cream Cheese for Cheeseballs

Smoking cream cheese is what makes this recipe unique and adds so much flavor compared to a traditional cheeseball. Preheat your smoker to 225–250°F and place two cold blocks of cream cheese in a cast-iron pan. Cover them with your dry rub of choice (garlic powder, onion powder, or ranch seasoning all work well).

Smoke for about 2–2.5 hours until puffed and golden. Let the mixture cool, then refrigerate until firm. This helps when you later combine cream cheese with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese and seasonings.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheeseballs Step by Step

1. Let the smoked cream cheese rest at room temperature before mixing.
2. In a large bowl, transfer the cheese mixture with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onion, and seasonings until smooth.
3. Shape into mini balls with a scoop or one wrapped cheese ball using a large piece of plastic wrap.
4. Roll each in your chosen coating.
5. Use kitchen twine or thick rubber bands to press vertical grooves into the sides of the cheese ball. This gives it that pumpkin look.
6. Add your “pumpkin stem” on the top of the cheese ball.

Cheeseball Coating Ideas for a Pumpkin Look

• Aleppo pepper for a bold burnt orange/red finish. Aleppo pepper is smoky, not spicy—do not use red pepper flakes here. A BBQ dry rub would work well for this color and be a tasty flavor profile.
• Crushed Cheez-Its or chips for a golden pumpkin look (any crushed chip or cracker would essentially work)
• Bagel seasoning for crunch and flavor
• Chopped pecans for a nutty outside of the cheese ball
• Crumbled bacon bits or dried herbs for variety

Experiment with any coating you like and have fun with different flavors and textures!

Mini Pumpkin Cheeseballs vs. One Large Cheeseball

You can shape this recipe into mini pumpkin cheeseballs or one large pumpkin-shaped cheese ball. Choose depending on how you plan to serve it.

Mini Cheeseballs: Use a cookie scoop to portion the cheese ball mixture into bite-sized rounds. Roll each in your choice of coating. Then use kitchen twine to make gentle vertical grooves. Finish with a small sprig of thyme or rosemary as the pumpkin stem. Mini cheeseballs are great for parties because they’re easy for guests to grab without needing a knife. You can offer a variety of flavors and coatings for more fun.

One Large Cheeseball: Place the entire cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, and wrap tightly. Chill until firm, then roll in your desired coating. Use thick rubber bands or kitchen twine to press in the pumpkin grooves. Top with a small bell pepper stem or fresh herb sprig. A large cheeseball makes a beautiful centerpiece for a fall party. It pairs perfectly with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips on a platter.

Tips for the Best Smoked Cheeseball Appetizer

• Let the mixture cool completely before shaping (otherwise it’s too soft).
• Make ahead of time and store in the fridge overnight if needed (air air-tight container or plastic wrap)
• For a sweet cream cheese ball, try mixing in pumpkin puree. Add a little pumpkin pie spice for a dessert-style twist.
• Use a sturdy cracker so the cheeseball doesn’t crumble.

Serving Suggestions for Fall Entertaining

These pumpkin cheeseballs are the perfect appetizer for a fall party or holiday gathering. Here are some delicious ways to serve and pair them:

• Crackers & Chips – sturdy crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or even bagel chips for dipping.
• Fresh Vegetables – sliced red pepper, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, or celery for a lighter option.
• Bread Options – crostini, toasted baguette slices, or soft pretzels pair perfectly with the creamy texture. I also love making a batch of my garlic bread focaccia for a fun side.
• Fruit Pairings – crisp apple slices or grapes for a sweet contrast to the savory cheeseball.
• Charcuterie Add-Ons – pair with cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni to make it part of a full board.
• Brunch Options – Pair it with other recipes like my pumpkin Dutch baby recipe or my hard cider bread and fall harvest pasta salad. This creates a fun brunch meal combo.
• Wine & Drinks – serve alongside sparkling wine. My frozen apple cider mimosas, or a seasonal cocktail like my tequila cider spritz are great for a complete fall spread.

More Recipes To Try

Smoked Cream Cheese with Pepper Jelly

Homemade Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip

Smoked Fried Pickle Dip

Tirokafteri (Greek Feta Dip) Recipe