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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Unwrap and serve: Once chilled and firm, unwrap the cheese ball and place it onto your chosen serving platter.
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