In this cozy fall recipe from The Fresh Chile Cookin’ Cookbook, Carol brings a festive twist to snack time with a Red & Green Chile Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball, a fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any gathering.
This recipe was originally submitted by Fresh Chile fan Candice Cunc, whose creative take on a classic cheese ball turns it into an edible centerpiece. Combining creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, and our signature Fresh Red & Green Chile, this dish balances spice, richness, and crunch in every bite.
Red & Green Chile Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 1½ packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (garlic cheddar if available)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (if not using garlic cheddar)
- ⅓ cup Fresh Red & Green Chile (Medium)
- 1 cup crushed Annie’s Cheese Bunnies or Goldfish crackers
- 1 bell pepper (for the pumpkin stem)
- Plastic wrap, kitchen string, and rubber bands (for shaping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and Red & Green Chile. Blend until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your counter and scoop the mixture into the center. Gather the wrap and form it into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the crushed crackers to coat the outside. This makes it easier to handle and gives it a nice texture.
- Lay several pieces of string under the cheese ball, crossing them to form pumpkin-like sections. Tie gently at the top with a rubber band to create indentations resembling a pumpkin.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- When ready to serve, remove the string and rubber band, then top with the bell pepper stem for the perfect pumpkin look.
Serve with your favorite crackers, fruit, or veggies for a delicious, spicy, and festive fall snack.
About the Fresh Chile Cookin’ Cookbook
The Fresh Chile Cookin’ Cookbook is a community project by Fresh Chile Company. Fans submit their original recipes featuring Hatch chile for a chance to win free chile and a spot in the cookbook. By the end of the year, the collection features 52+ recipes from our amazing chile-loving community. Visit Fresh Chile Cookin’ to learn more and submit your own creation.