Spooky Cheese Ball (Printer-Friendly)
A bold cheese ball blending sharp cheddar and cream cheese with black olive coating for a festive party centerpiece.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cheese Mixture
01 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 -
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, finely shredded
03 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise
→ Seasonings
04 -
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
09 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Coating and Decoration
10 -
1 cup black olives, pitted and finely chopped
11 -
6 to 8 pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces
12 -
2 whole cloves
→ Serving Accompaniments
13 -
Assorted crackers and fresh vegetables
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and thoroughly blended, about 3 to 4 minutes.
02 -
Add chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, white pepper, and smoked paprika to the mixture. Blend until seasonings are evenly distributed with no visible streaks.
03 -
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the mixture to firm up for shaping.
04 -
Remove the chilled mixture and shape it into an oval resembling Jack Skellington’s head. Place on the serving platter.
05 -
Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped black olives, pressing gently to adhere an even coating around the surface.
06 -
Create Jack’s stitched mouth by inserting broken pretzel stick pieces in a zigzag pattern across the lower half of the cheese ball, pressing gently to secure.
07 -
Press two whole cloves into the upper portion to form hollow eye sockets characteristic of the Jack Skellington design.
08 -
Refrigerate the decorated cheese ball for an additional 30 minutes to set decorations and allow flavors to meld.
09 -
Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading. Arrange crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh vegetables around the cheese ball as accompaniments.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Allowing the cheese ball to soften slightly before serving improves spreadability on crackers and vegetables.