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Spider Cheese Ball

This Spider Cheese Ball is a creamy, cheesy appetizer shaped into a rounded dome with pretzel legs resembling a spider. It combines softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and herbs, then decorated with black olives and pretzels for a spooky, textured presentation. The final appearance is a soft, cheesy interior contrasted with crunchy toppings and legs, creating a fun and visually striking centerpiece.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 black olives, sliced for eyes
  • 4 large pretzels, whole for spider legs

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Cooking spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform, with no lumps remaining.
  2. Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape it into a tight ball or dome, smoothing the surface with your hands. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to firm up.
  3. Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap it. Place it on a serving plate, smoothing any cracks with extra cheese or a spatula if needed.
  4. Insert toothpicks into the pretzels to help reinforce their connections, and gently wedge each pretzel along the sides of the cheese dome to resemble spider legs, staggering lengths for a creepier effect. Use a few pretzels for the front and back, spreading them out evenly around the shape.
  5. Decorate the 'face' by placing two black olive slices on top of the cheese ball to serve as eyes. Position sliced olives to look like eyes, pressing gently to secure them in place.
  6. Arrange the pretzel legs around the cheese ball, adjusting for balance and appearance. Use toothpicks if needed to secure any legs that feel loose or to fix breaks.
  7. Optionally, add extra details like small herbs or additional olive slices for a more spooky face. Chill again for about 30 minutes to let everything set before serving.
  8. Serve your spooky Spider Cheese Ball as a fun, creepy centerpiece. Gather your guests and prepare for their delighted reactions as they dig into this cheesy, textured treat.

Notes

Ensure the cheese mixture is well chilled before shaping. Use toothpicks to reinforce legs and secure the decorations. Feel free to add extra decorations like shredded cheese or herbs for more effects.