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Cheese and Cracker Pumpkin Pie Appetizer

This fun and festive Cheese and Cracker Pumpkin Pie Appetizer looks just like dessert — but it’s a creamy, savory cheese spread with a buttery cracker crust! Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, this no-bake appetizer is easy to make, totally customizable, and guaranteed to impress guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 tbsp sour cream or mayo
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust:
  • 1½ cups crushed butter crackers like Ritz
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
For Garnish:
  • Sour cream or whipped cream cheese for “whipped topping”
  • Fresh herbs for decoration

Method
 

Make the Crust:
  1. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish and chill for 10 minutes.
Make the Filling:
  1. Beat cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble:
  1. Spread filling over crust and smooth to look like pumpkin pie.
Garnish:
  1. Add a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream cheese on top. Decorate with herbs.
Chill & Serve:
  1. Refrigerate 30 minutes, then serve with crackers or veggies.

Notes

  • Add a little hot sauce for spice.
  • Use fresh-grated cheese for best texture.
  • Make ahead — it keeps up to 2 days in the fridge!