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Pumpkin Spice Cheese Ball

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This Pumpkin Spice Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy, and sweet-savory appetizer packed with real pumpkin, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan-cranberry coating. It’s the perfect festive centerpiece for fall parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the coating:
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until soft and spreadable. Alternatively, microwave in 10-second bursts until just soft.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  4. Scrape the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the sides and twist to form a tight ball. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) until firm.
  5. While chilling, toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool. Chop dried cranberries. Mix pecans, cranberries, and extra pumpkin pie spice on a plate or baking sheet.
  6. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the nut-cranberry mixture, pressing to coat all sides.
  7. For best flavor, refrigerate the coated cheese ball for another 15 minutes before serving, or serve immediately if short on time.
  8. Place on a serving plate, garnish as desired, and serve with crackers, pretzels, apple slices, or graham crackers.

Notes

For best results, use very soft cream cheese and toast the pecans for extra flavor. The cheese ball can be made ahead and chilled overnight; coat just before serving for maximum crunch. For nut-free, use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and cheddar. Serve with a variety of sweet and savory dippers.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice cheese ball, fall appetizer, party snack, cream cheese, pumpkin, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Halloween, easy appetizer, cheese ball recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/pumpkin-spice-cheese-ball-recipe-easy-fall-appetizer-for-parties/