10/10 Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Name: "10/10 Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning"
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup everything bagel seasoning; 1 small bell pepper stem (for decoration)

Author: lia

Published: September 1, 2025

Updated: September 3, 2025

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Every fall, I become obsessed with turning ordinary dishes into festive delights—and this pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with everything seasoning is my latest party trick. I first made it for a cozy Friendsgiving last year, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than the pumpkin pie! The combination of creamy cheese and that addictive everything bagel crunch makes it irresistible, while the cute pumpkin shape steals the show. Best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven. Just mix, shape, and watch your guests go wild over this savory centerpiece. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to turn a simple cheese ball into seasonal magic, you’ll be making it all autumn long.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning - detail 1

This isn’t just another cheese ball – it’s the ultimate party starter that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Here’s why it’s become my go-to appetizer:

Quick prep magic: Fifteen minutes of mixing is all it takes before chilling
No oven needed: Perfect for when your kitchen’s already overloaded
Flavor bomb: That everything seasoning crunch with creamy cheese is addictive
Instant wow factor: The pumpkin shape makes it look way fancier than it is
Totally customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses or spices

Seriously, I’ve never brought home an empty platter with this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this festive appetizer – I like to group my ingredients on the counter before starting so nothing gets missed in the mixing frenzy!

The creamy base: 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup sour cream
Flavor boosters: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper
The crunchy coating: 1/2 cup everything bagel seasoning (or make your own blend!)
Pumpkin magic: 1 small bell pepper stem (the perfect natural decoration)

Pro tip: Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes – it makes blending SO much easier!

How to Make Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning

Okay friends, let’s turn this cheesy goodness into a festive pumpkin masterpiece! I promise it’s easier than carving an actual pumpkin. Here’s exactly how I do it every time:

Mix it up: In a big bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a wooden spoon until it’s smooth and creamy (no lumps!). Add the cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Keep mixing until everything is totally combined – you should see no streaks of white.
Chill time: Scoop all that cheesy goodness onto plastic wrap and form it roughly into a ball shape. Wrap it up tight and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes it SO much easier to shape later – trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!
Seasoning magic: Unwrap your chilled cheese ball and roll it gently in the everything seasoning. I like to pour the seasoning onto a plate and press the ball into it, turning slowly to coat all sides. Don’t be shy – press those seeds in there so they stick!
Pumpkin perfection: Here comes the fun part! Take a butter knife and gently make vertical lines around the cheese ball to create those classic pumpkin ridges. Don’t press too hard – you just want subtle indentations.
The finishing touch: Nestle that cute bell pepper stem right into the top center. If it won’t stay put, make a small hole with a toothpick first. Ta-da! You’ve got yourself one impressive pumpkin cheese ball.

Tips for Shaping the Perfect Pumpkin Cheese Ball

If your cheese mixture feels too soft after chilling (hello, hot kitchen!), toss it back in the fridge for another 15 minutes. When making ridges, wipe your knife between cuts for clean lines. And that pepper stem? Choose one with a little curve – it looks more pumpkin-authentic!

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Oh, presentation is half the fun! I love surrounding my pumpkin cheese ball with an assortment of crackers – everything from buttery rounds to seeded flatbreads. Sliced baguette works wonderfully too, and for color, add carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, and apple slices. Arrange it all on a rustic wooden board with some fall leaves or mini gourds scattered around – instant harvest party vibes! The crisp veggies balance that rich, creamy cheese perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Your pumpkin cheese ball keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The pepper stem might weep a bit if left on too long, so I sometimes add it right before serving. No reheating needed – this savory beauty tastes best at cool room temperature!

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! For a spicy kick, I’ll sometimes mix in a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed, unless you’re feeling brave!). Smoked paprika adds incredible depth if you swap it for regular – just a 1/2 teaspoon does the trick. No everything seasoning? Crushed pretzels or toasted pepitas make a fantastic crunchy coating. And for holidays, I’ve even rolled it in crushed crispy bacon – because everything’s better with bacon, right?

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Just so you know, each 1/10 serving of this cheese ball packs about 180 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated), and 5g protein. These are estimates though – using different cheeses or more seasoning will tweak the numbers. Not health food, but hey, it’s a party! The everything seasoning adds about 280mg sodium per serving, so go easy if you’re watching salt intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about this pumpkin cheese ball – here are the ones that pop up most often at my parties:

Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely! I’ve used everything from chive to jalapeño cream cheese with great results. Just reduce the other seasonings slightly since flavored cheeses already pack a punch.

How early can I make it?
This is the perfect make-ahead app! Assemble it completely (sans pepper stem) up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually get better as they mingle. Add the stem about an hour before serving.

What’s the best way to transport it?
Place it in a round container just slightly larger than the cheese ball, with parchment underneath. Keep it chilled in a cooler with ice packs – those everything seeds stick best when cold!

No everything seasoning? No problem!
Mix equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. For extra crunch, add some crushed pretzels or nuts too. Get creative!

Any vegan alternatives?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and cheddar, and swap the sour cream for coconut yogurt. The everything seasoning is already plant-based, so you’re golden.

Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball with Everything Seasoning - detail 2

Well friends, that’s everything you need to know to create this showstopping pumpkin cheese ball! If you try it (and I really think you should), do me a favor – snap a pic and tag me on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. Did you put your own spin on it? I’d love to hear your clever variations in the comments below! And if this recipe becomes your new go-to party trick like it is mine, leave a star rating so other pumpkin-loving cooks can find it too. Happy cheese ball season – may your gatherings be cheesy and your everything seasoning plentiful!