Skellington Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

The Skellington Cheese Ball is a fun and festive appetizer perfect for gatherings. Creamy and cheesy with a hint of spice, it’s shaped into a spooky skull and decorated with black olives to delight your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Black olives for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for at least 1 to 2 hours.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, mold and shape the mixture into an elongated oval or skull-like form. Wrap tightly.
4. Step 4: Chill the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight (8-12 hours), until firm.
5. Step 5: Once thoroughly chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and place it onto your chosen serving platter.
6. Step 6: Decorate the Skellington face: Use black olive halves for the eyes and finely chopped black olive pieces to form a nose cavity, pressing them gently into the cheese ball. Arrange with crackers and vegetables for serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Use different colored olives or small pieces of bell pepper to customize the face decorations.
• Serve with a variety of dippers like pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for more texture contrasts.

Storage

Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to store longer, freeze it wrapped well for up to 1 month. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese ball in advance?

Yes, preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to blend well and makes it easier to shape. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

What can I use if I don’t have an electric mixer?

You can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula, but it may take a bit more effort to get the mixture smooth and well combined.

Skellington Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 119 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 14 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Skellington Cheese Ball is a fun and festive appetizer perfect for Halloween or any spooky-themed gathering. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp white cheddar, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, it’s shaped into a skull and decorated with black olives to create a spooky face. Serve it with crackers and fresh vegetables for a deliciously eerie starter that’s sure to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ball

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Decoration

• Black olives for decoration (halved and finely chopped)

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Instructions

1. Soften the cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for at least 1 to 2 hours to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth texture.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer until completely smooth and well combined.
3. Shape the cheese ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, mold and shape the mixture into an elongated oval or skull-like form. Wrap it tightly to hold the shape.
4. Chill to set: Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight (8-12 hours), to allow it to firm up properly.
5. Unwrap and serve: Once chilled and firm, unwrap the cheese ball and place it onto your chosen serving platter.
6. Decorate the skull face: Use halved black olives for the eyes and finely chopped olive pieces to create a nose cavity by pressing them gently into the cheese ball. Arrange with crackers and fresh vegetables around for serving.

Notes

• For best results, soften the cream cheese naturally at room temperature rather than microwaving it to avoid uneven texture.
• The cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead, making it perfect for party prep.
• Try using different types of cheddar or adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.
• Use vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a colorful and healthy serving option.
• Keep the cheese ball tightly wrapped while chilling to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 1-2 hours for cream cheese softening
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheese ball, Halloween appetizer, party recipe, cream cheese appetizer, cheddar cheese ball, no cook appetizer