Apple-Shaped Cheese Balls for Fall

These Apple-Shaped Cheese Balls are the perfect fall appetizer for parties, game days, and holiday gatherings. With their festive apple shape and delicious flavor, they add a touch of charm to your snack table. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy hosting.

Fall always feels like the perfect excuse to add a little creativity to the table, and these Apple Shaped Cheese Balls are just the thing. They take a classic party favorite and give it a seasonal twist that’s both playful and elegant. The best part? They’re just as simple to make as a traditional cheese ball but with a presentation that will have everyone talking.

Whether you’re hosting a harvest gathering, setting out snacks for game day, or just looking to bring something special to a get-together, these cheese balls fit the bill. With two flavor variations and endless options for customizing, you’ll have fun making them as much as your guests will enjoy eating them. It’s the kind of recipe that proves a small touch can completely transform a dish into something memorable. These are one of my favorite fall foods.

Now, there are two different cheese ball recipes that I used to make these “apples”. You can find one recipe below and the second recipe is in a separate blog post. The second recipe is for a Cheddar Bacon Cheese Ball in the same adorable apple shape.

Simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. How can you go wrong with a ball of cheese?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They’re a showstopper. Cheese balls are always a hit at gatherings, but shaping them like apples instantly turns them into a seasonal centerpiece. Guests will love the playful presentation, and you’ll love how easy it is to pull off.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor. With just a few pantry staples like cream cheese, cheddar, and paprika, you can whip up something that feels both elegant and comforting. No complicated shopping list required, which makes this recipe stress-free for entertaining.
• Flexible and fun. Once you get the hang of shaping and coating, you can switch up the flavors and coatings to suit your taste. Whether you go savory with herbs or a little spicy with pepper jack, it’s easy to make these cheese balls your own.
• Make-ahead magic. These little “apples” can be prepared in advance and chilled until you’re ready to serve, which means less last-minute fuss when you’re hosting. It’s the kind of recipe that works with your schedule rather than against it.

Truth be told, I love a tasty cheese ball. (Well, to be completely honest, I love cheese in any form.) Unfortunately, it seems that the humble cheeseball has gotten a bad rap. It’s been around forever and is viewed as boring by some. That’s why I decided it was time for a little makeover. In fact, over the years I’ve created cheese balls for every season! Perhaps I’m starting a new appetizer trend!

Ingredients

The ingredient list is short and straightforward, yet the end result is something really special.

• White cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded white cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture that makes these cheese balls rich and flavorful.
• Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese helps bind everything together while adding smoothness and a hint of tang.
• Garlic powder – A touch of garlic powder gives a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Paprika – This adds gentle warmth and spice while doubling as the coating that gives the cheese balls their apple-like color.
• Small branch cutting – A little branch with leaves tucked into the top transforms each cheese ball into an apple look-alike and makes the presentation extra charming.

How to Make

I’m going to show you how to make this Apple-Shaped Cheese Ball recipe. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

1. Using a hand mixer, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic power and ground red pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Then shape the cheese mixture into a ball. No need to be perfect here as apples aren’t uniformly shaped. Make an indentation in the ball with your thumb to resemble the top of an apple.
3. Chill ball for 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator and coat the cheese ball heavily with paprika.
4. Cover and chill for at least two hours before serving. Insert a branch with leaves to create an “apple stem.”

This fabulously simple idea will take your fall entertaining to the next level. Trust me. Your guests will be impressed.

Recipe Variations

One of my favorite versions of this recipe is to roll the cheese ball in finely crushed pistachios. The green color is a fun nod to a Granny Smith apple, and it adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.

Another option is to coat the cheese ball with finely chopped walnuts and crispy bacon. The mix of crunchy and smoky flavors makes this variation especially irresistible. I’ve shared a separate post with all the details for this recipe if you’d like to give it a try.

You can also switch up the cheeses for different flavor profiles. Try swapping the white cheddar for a sharp smoked gouda or even pepper jack if you’d like a little extra kick.

For a lighter, herb-filled version, roll the cheese ball in finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. The bright green coating looks beautiful and gives the cheese ball a fresh, savory taste.

If you’re serving a crowd, consider making a mix of small cheese balls instead of one large one. Coat each with a different topping (paprika, nuts, herbs, seeds) so your guests have a variety of “apples” to choose from.

More Cheese Ball Recipes You’ll Love

• Everything Bagel Cheeseball
• Mini Cheeseballs (Cheese Truffles)
• Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball
• Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball
• Christmas Tree Cheeseball

Serve these up with some crackers, toasted bread, or veggies and you’ll be ready to party. Oh, and don’t forget the wine (and an invitation for me). If you give this pasta a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!  Happy Fall Entertaining!

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White Cheddar Cheese Ball

Make this delicious White Cheddar Cheese Ball that looks just like a real apple.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese, cheese ball

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 216kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• plus addition paprika for dusting
• Cutting from a small branch

Instructions

• Using a hand mixer, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic power and ground red pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
• Then shape the cheese mixture into a ball. No need to be perfect here as apples aren’t uniformly shaped. Make an indentation in the ball with your thumb to resemble the top of an apple. Chill ball for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the refrigerator and coat the cheese ball heavily with paprika. Cover and chill for at least two hours before serving. Insert a branch with leaves to create an “apple stem.”

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 680IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 0.1mg