Spooky Spider Cheese Ball
This playful appetizer transforms a classic cheese ball into a creepy crawly spider perfect for Halloween. It combines creamy, tangy cheese with crunchy pretzel legs and fun eye details, creating a festive, tactile treat with a humorous, slightly gross appeal. The final presentation is a quirky, textured spider with a soft interior and crisp exterior, guaranteed to make guests giggle.
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Calories: 150kcal
Servings: 8
Equipment
- Rubber spatula
- Small sharp knife
- Cookie Scoop
- Plastic gloves
Ingredients
- 8 oz ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or dill optional
- 1 cup crushed pretzels pretzels for legs
- 8 halved black olives or cherry tomatoes for eyes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika smoked paprika optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and chopped herbs. Mix with a rubber spatula until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well integrated, smelling slightly tangy and cheesy.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands (wearing plastic gloves), shape the mixture into a tight, round ball. Place it on a plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up and hold its shape.
- While the cheese ball chills, break pretzels into small segments or cut breadsticks into tiny pieces to create legs. Set aside these crunchy bits for later.
- If the cheese ball feels too soft after chilling, pop it back in the fridge for another 10 minutes. It should be firm enough to support the pretzel legs without wobbling.
- Remove the cheese ball from the fridge. Press the pretzel pieces into the sides and top of the cheese ball, spacing them evenly to resemble spider legs—aim for about 8-10 legs, pressing gently to secure them.
- Halve the olives or cherry tomatoes to create the spider’s eyes. Attach them to the front of the cheese ball with a tiny dab of leftover cheese or insert a toothpick to secure each eye in place.
- Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or additional herbs on top of the cheese ball for extra color and flavor, giving it a spooky shimmer.
- Place the completed spider onto a serving platter. Adjust the legs to make it look balanced and spooky, then let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly and settle into its creepy shape.
Notes
For a fun twist, use mini pickles or mini cheese chunks for eyes. If legs fall off, reattach with a dab of cheese or reposition. Chilling helps the cheese firm up and makes assembly easier.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 70mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 80mg