Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls
These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are the cutest autumn appetizers for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or any cozy fall gathering. They’re creamy, cheesy, and they really do look like tiny pumpkins (no carving required!).
Equipment
- microwave safe bowl
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Shallow bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Toothpick or skewer
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 18 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- To soften the cream cheese, remove the foil wrapper and place the block in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high for about 10 to 15 seconds, then check the texture—if it’s still too firm, continue in 5-second intervals until softened. Stir the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and stir well to combine.
- Add the chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper .
- Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, until slightly firm
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the remaining 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese in a shallow bowl. Scoop slightly rounded tablespoons of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Roll each one in a ball with your hands. Drop each ball in the shredded cheese, rolling gently to coat. Return the balls to the baking sheet.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently press vertical lines around the sides to make the cheese balls look like mini pumpkins.
- Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to firm. Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick in the top of each mini pumpkin cheese ball and arrange on a platter Makes about 18 pieces.
Notes
To store leftovers: Tightly wrap the mini pumpkin cheese balls and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 0.05gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 395IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 0.1mg
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