Description
A creamy, savory cheese ball shaped and decorated to resemble a skull, perfect for a hauntingly delicious Halloween party appetizer.
Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1 large can black olives (pitted), for decoration
Assorted crackers, pretzel sticks, or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and finely chopped fresh chives. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
Step 2: On a serving platter or a piece of parchment paper, use your hands to mold the cheese mixture into the shape of a skull. Create a defined forehead, indentations for the eye sockets, and a jawline. Don't worry about perfection; a slightly rustic look can add to the spooky charm.
Step 3: Tightly wrap the shaped cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days) to allow it to firm up.
Step 4: Just before serving, unwrap the cheese ball. Use black olives to create the facial features. Halve two olives for the eyes, use a small piece for the nose, and thinly slice several olives to form teeth along the jawline.
Step 5: Arrange your Skellington Cheese Ball on a platter surrounded by an assortment of crackers, pretzel sticks (for 'bones'), and fresh vegetable sticks. Serve immediately and enjoy your frightfully delicious appetizer!
Notes
For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want a little extra heat, finely chop a jalapeño and add it to the cheese mixture. For an even more dramatic presentation, dust lightly with smoked paprika for a 'gory' effect after decorating the skull.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of cheese ball
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg