Description
A creamy, savory cheese ball shaped like Jack Skellington, perfect for Halloween parties. This show-stopping appetizer is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and doubles as a festive centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best flavor)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped green onion (or chives)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (skip for vegetarian)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 4–5 jumbo black olives (for eyes and nostrils)
- 4 thin strips roasted red pepper or black olive (for mouth)
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed) or black food coloring gel (for fine details)
- Crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add chopped green onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
- Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
- Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the sides and twist to form a tight ball (about 4-5 inches diameter). Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Slice jumbo black olives into thick rounds for eyes and nostrils. Cut thin strips of roasted red pepper or black olive for the mouth. Cut nori for stitches and brows, or use black food coloring gel for fine details.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and set it on a serving plate. Use olive rounds for eyes and nose holes. Arrange strips for the mouth, curving them into Jack’s stitched smile. Add nori pieces or coloring for extra details.
- Surround the cheese ball with crackers, pretzel sticks, or veggie slices. Serve chilled but let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before eating.
Notes
For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and shred your own cheddar. Make the cheese ball base ahead and decorate just before serving. Nut-free and vegetarian adaptations are easy. Chilling is key for shaping and decorating. Imperfections add charm to Jack’s face!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30 g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 170
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Halloween, cheese ball, appetizer, party food, Jack Skellington, spooky, easy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian option, nut-free option