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Halloween Spider Cheese Ball

This spooky cheese ball combines creamy softened cheese with crunchy nuts and edible decorations to resemble a haunted spider. It is shaped into a round ball with legs and decorated with candy eyes, creating a playful and festive appetizer. The final dish has a smooth, moldable exterior with textured spider legs for a fun presentation.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened bring to room temperature for easy mixing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or almonds) for crunchy legs and body accents
  • 1/4 cup candy eyes for spider eyes
  • 8 small pretzels or cookie sticks cut or break in half for spider legs
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce or lemon juice to adjust flavor as needed

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan
  • Vegetable peeler or knife
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Place the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a mixing bowl, then stir or knead until well combined into a smooth, uniform mixture.
  2. Add the chopped nuts to the cheese mixture, folding them in evenly for crunch and texture.
  3. Shape the cheese mixture into a large round ball using your hands, pressing firmly to form a sturdy, even shape.
  4. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
  5. Once chilled, transfer the cheese ball onto a serving platter. With a small spoon or your fingers, press into the top of the ball to slightly indent it for easier placement of spider legs.
  6. Take the pretzels or cookie sticks and cut or break them into six to eight equal pieces to serve as spider legs.
  7. Insert the pretzel pieces into the side of the cheese ball at even intervals, pressing them in firmly so they stay securely in place.
  8. Place candy eyes onto the top of the cheese ball, pressing gently to secure and give the appearance of creepy spider eyes.
  9. Decorate the base of each pretzel leg with small additional nuts or cheese to hide the insertion point, if desired, for a cleaner look.
  10. Refrigerate the completed cheese ball for another 30 minutes to allow everything to set and the decorations to adhere well.
  11. Serve chilled on a platter, making sure the spider legs are stable, and enjoy this playful, spooky appetizer.

Notes

For an extra creepy effect, drizzle some melted chocolate or dark edible ink around the spider for a web-like appearance.