Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The pumpkin adds a rich, earthy depth, while the cheddar cheese gives it a sharp, tangy contrast. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the blend of spices—garlic, onion, thyme, and smoked paprika—brings everything together. Whether served as an appetizer with crackers or veggie sticks, or as part of a holiday spread, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- Crackers or veggie sticks for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Mix Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and pumpkin puree.
- Add Spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme or parsley, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add the maple syrup at this point.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix all ingredients until well blended, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Form Balls: Once chilled, use a small spoon or your hands to scoop out and shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each cheese ball in the finely chopped nuts until fully coated, ensuring an even coverage.
- Chill Again: Place the coated cheese balls on a serving platter and return them to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to set.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 mini cheese balls
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 35-45 minutes (including chilling time)
Variations
- Herb Variations: Swap the thyme for fresh rosemary or sage for a different herbal flavor.
- Cheese Variety: For a twist, substitute the cheddar cheese with a creamy goat cheese or tangy blue cheese.
- Nut Alternatives: If you prefer different nuts, try cashews or pistachios for a unique texture and flavor.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These cheese balls freeze well. Once formed, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: These are best served chilled, but if you’d like to enjoy them warm, you can gently heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, these cheese balls can be made ahead of time. After shaping them, refrigerate them for up to 2 days before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack to suit your preferences.
3. Do I need to cook the pumpkin puree?
No, you do not need to cook the pumpkin puree. Simply use it directly from the can or after pureeing fresh pumpkin.
4. How can I make these cheese balls sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add more maple syrup or even a bit of honey to the mixture.
5. Can I serve these with something other than crackers or veggie sticks?
Absolutely! These cheese balls can be served with bread, crostini, or even as part of a cheese platter with fruits and nuts.
6. Can I use roasted garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, roasted garlic adds a nice depth of flavor to these cheese balls and would be a great substitute for garlic powder.
7. Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and saves time. Just make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
8. How do I make the cheese balls firmer?
If you find the mixture too soft, you can add more cream cheese or refrigerate the mixture longer before shaping the balls.
9. Can I add cranberries or other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, dried cranberries or raisins would make a nice addition for a touch of sweetness and texture.
10. How do I make these cheese balls for a larger crowd?
Double or triple the recipe depending on the number of guests. These cheese balls are easy to scale up and serve at parties.
Conclusion
Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making them a unique and crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion. With their festive fall flavors and simple preparation, they are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or as a fun snack. These cheese balls are sure to impress your guests and quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy them with crackers, veggies, or as part of a larger spread!
Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 mini cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are a creamy, savory-sweet appetizer made with cream cheese, cheddar, pumpkin puree, and aromatic spices, coated in crunchy nuts for a festive fall treat.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
2 cups finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Crackers or veggie sticks for serving
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and pumpkin puree.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme or parsley, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Add maple syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- Mix all ingredients until well-blended and creamy.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to firm it up for easy shaping.
- Once chilled, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using a small spoon or your hands.
- Roll each cheese ball in the finely chopped nuts until fully coated.
- Place the coated cheese balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for another 15 minutes to set.
Notes
If you prefer fresh herbs, try rosemary or sage for a different flavor.
If you don’t have almonds, you can substitute with cashews or pistachios for a unique flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
Maple syrup adds a nice sweetness, but you can also use honey or agave syrup for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
