Crispy, golden pumpkin spice cheese bites are the ultimate appetizer for cozy fall gatherings. These irresistible morsels combine the comfort of pumpkin spice with the creamy, melty goodness of cheese — all wrapped in a crispy, crunchy shell. Get ready to wow your guests with this epic and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites
Pumpkin spice lovers, rejoice! These cheesy bites are the perfect way to indulge in your favorite fall flavor. The combination of warm pumpkin pie spices and gooey, melty cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, the crispy outer coating adds a satisfying crunch that takes these bites to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking for a delightful snack, these Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
This easy recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. You’ll need pumpkin puree, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and breadcrumbs or panko for the crispy coating.
- 1 cup (240 g) – Pumpkin puree
- 8 oz (225 g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp – Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup (120 g) – Breadcrumbs or panko
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pumpkin pie spice: Make your own by combining ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (why it works)
- Cheddar cheese: Swap for another melty variety, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack (dietary swap)
How to Make Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy, melty pumpkin spice cheese bites every time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the pumpkin-cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in size. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs or panko, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the coated cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the coating is crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These delightful bites are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is gooey and the exterior is perfectly crisp.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of honey to the pumpkin-cheese mixture.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or gouda, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Holding Their Shape: Chill the pumpkin-cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming and breading the bites to ensure they hold their shape.
- Air Fryer Option: Bake the coated bites in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispy exterior.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy exterior.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the pumpkin-cheese mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator before breading and baking.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites are a delightful indulgence, with each bite offering a satisfying combination of comfort and flavor. While they are a bit higher in calories and fat than some other snack options, they also provide a decent amount of protein from the cheese and a touch of fiber from the pumpkin.
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin-cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before breading and baking. This will save you time when it’s party time.
Can I freeze these bites?
Absolutely! Once baked, the Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin for the pumpkin puree in this recipe. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sweeteners and spices.
Can I bake these in the air fryer?
Definitely! The air fryer is a great option for achieving a crispy exterior on these cheese bites. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded bites in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Are these bites gluten-free?
To make these bites gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs or panko with a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
Try These Next
- Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
- Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites
- Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars
Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Pumpkin Spice Cheese Bites are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an ideal appetizer for fall gatherings or holiday parties. With a crispy exterior and creamy cheese filling, they are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 tsp pumpkin spice
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
2. 2. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm up.
3. 3. Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
4. 4. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
5. 5. Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
6. 6. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
7. 7. Fry the cheese bites in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
8. 8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
– These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying. Just thaw and fry when ready to serve.
– Experiment with different cheeses or spices for a unique twist!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheese, appetizers, snacks