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Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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  • Author: Amy
  • 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

  1. Gather all your ingredients and ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and pumpkin puree.
  3. 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.
  4. Mix all ingredients until well-blended and creamy.
  5. Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to firm it up for easy shaping.
  6. Once chilled, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using a small spoon or your hands.
  7. Roll each cheese ball in the finely chopped nuts until fully coated.
  8. 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