Get ready to impress your guests with these savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites! These bite-sized treats are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and autumnal flavors. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or need a delightful appetizer for your next party, these Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
These Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites are the ultimate comfort food with a modern twist. The velvety, lush pumpkin puree and melty, creamy cheese come together to create a zesty, indulgent bite that’s both satisfying and craveable. The festive pumpkin flavor is balanced by a delightful blend of aromatic spices, making these cheese ball bites the perfect way to usher in the cozy autumn season. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, taking the stress out of party planning. Get ready to wow your guests with these epic, golden, and loaded Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites!
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites are cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne. You’ll also need some chopped pecans or crispy bacon for the irresistible coating.
- 8 oz (1 block) – Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 cup – Chopped pecans or crumbled cooked bacon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: You can use a mix of cheddar and gouda, or try a different hard cheese like Gruyère.
- Coating: If you don’t like pecans, you can roll the cheese balls in crushed pretzels or panko breadcrumbs instead.
How to Make Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
The process for these Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites is simple and straightforward, with just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar, and the warm spices until well combined. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the pumpkin cheese mixture has chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form it into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball in the chopped pecans or crumbled bacon until fully coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites on a serving platter and chill for an additional 30 minutes to set. Serve with your favorite crackers, crostini, or pita chips for a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Herbs: For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the pumpkin cheese mixture.
- Savory Mix-Ins: You can amp up the savory factor by mixing in a bit of crumbled cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the cheese mixture.
- Coating Alternatives: Experiment with different coatings, like crushed pretzels, panko breadcrumbs, or a blend of chopped nuts and seeds.
- Make-Ahead: These Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them the perfect stress-free appetizer for any occasion.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crackers, crostini, or pita chips.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: These cheese ball bites are best served chilled.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the cheese balls up to 3 days in advance, then chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites are a rich and indulgent treat, with each bite-sized ball containing approximately 80 calories, 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. While they are a delicious addition to any gathering, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball bite
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese ball bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Simply assemble the cheese balls, roll them in the coating, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Can I freeze these cheese ball bites?
While you can freeze the pumpkin cheese mixture before shaping it into balls, we don’t recommend freezing the assembled and coated cheese ball bites. The texture and appearance may be affected after thawing.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as gouda, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
How spicy are these cheese ball bites?
The amount of cayenne pepper used in this recipe adds a subtle hint of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the cayenne altogether. Conversely, you can increase the amount of cayenne for a bolder, spicier kick.
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Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites are the perfect blend of cream cheese and pumpkin puree, seasoned with savory herbs. Ideal for parties or as a snack!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup crackers, crushed for coating
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pumpkin puree, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Roll each ball in the chopped pecans until fully coated.
5. Place the cheese balls on a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For extra flavor, try adding some herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheese ball, appetizers, party food