Spider Cheese Ball
This spooky Halloween cheese ball features a creamy cheese base shaped into a spider, with string cheese legs and olive eyes for a creepy, fun presentation. The dish combines smooth, tangy cream cheese with sharp cheddar, and is decorated with olives and cheese legs for a playful, festive look that’s perfect for parties. Its final appearance is a quirky, edible spider that’s both tasty and eye-catching.
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Calories: 180kcal
Servings: 8
Equipment
- Spatula or sturdy spoon
- Sharp knife or toothpicks
Ingredients
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder for variation
- 10 black olives for eyes, pitted
- 4 string string cheese or mozzarella sticks for legs
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and use a spatula to blend it until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Add the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture is uniform in color.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a large, oval-shaped ball on a parchment-lined tray. Use your hands or a spatula to smooth the surface, creating a compact spider body.
- Cut the string cheese or mozzarella sticks into thin logs, about 2 inches long, to form the spider’s legs.
- Press the cheese logs onto the sides of the main cheese ball, spreading them out evenly to resemble spider legs. Use a small amount of melted cheese or a toothpick to secure each leg if needed.
- Place black olives or cherry tomatoes on the cheese ball to create the spider’s eyes, pressing them gently into the surface for a flush fit.
- If desired, insert mini pretzels or breadsticks as additional legs or creepy accents, securing with a small dab of melted cheese if necessary.
- Chill the assembled spider in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help it set and meld the flavors together.
- Before serving, gently press the eyes into place if they have shifted, and make any final adjustments to the legs for a balanced, creepy appearance.
- Slice and serve your spooky cheese spider with crackers or baguette slices for a fun Halloween treat!
Notes
Keep the cheese mixture chilled if it becomes too soft to shape. Attach legs while the cheese is slightly warm for better adhesion. Use gentle pressure when positioning the eyes to prevent squishing.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 80mg | Calcium: 150mg