Halloween Spider Cheese Ball
This playful cheese ball transforms a simple creamy cheese mixture into a creepy crawly spider perfect for Halloween parties. Shaped from a blend of cream cheese and cheddar, it’s decorated with olives, pretzel legs, and jelly for a fun, spooky appetizer with a firm yet creamy texture and a shiny, gooey appearance. It’s as much a visual delight as it is delicious to eat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cups grated sharp cheddar cheese chilled for easier grating
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
- to taste salt optional, for seasoning
- 1/2 cup cups black olives pitted, for eyes
- 1/4 cup cups red pepper jelly for shiny coating
- 8 pieces mini pretzels or breadsticks for legs
- 4 pieces olive or cherry tomato for eyes, optional
- 1 teaspoon teaspoon pepper jelly optional, for extra gooey effect
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, chopped green onions, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spatula until well blended and creamy, then chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Remove the cheese mixture from the fridge and shape it into a large, round ball—this will serve as the spider’s body. Wrap it in plastic wrap and set aside.
- Break the mini pretzels or breadsticks into four segments each to create legs, trimming longer pieces if necessary. Arrange the legs around the sides of the cheese ball, pressing gently to attach.
- Press the olives or cherry tomatoes into the front of the cheese ball to create the spider’s eyes. If desired, add tiny dots of pepper jelly or sesame seeds for pupils to give a spooky, cross-eyed look.
- Spread a thin layer of red pepper jelly over the cheese ball to give it a glossy, sticky, oozy appearance. This adds a fun, spooky sheen and enhances the creepy effect.
- Gently add extra legs or details as desired to enhance the spider’s creepy-crawly look. Chill the assembled spider cheese ball for at least 15 minutes so everything sets firmly.
- Place the finished spider cheese ball on a spooky platter, perhaps decorated with fake cobwebs or Halloween-themed decorations. Serve with crackers or breadsticks for a fun, edible centerpiece.