Spooky and Delicious Dead Man's Cheese Ball

4 stars
4.44 (14)
Spooky and Delicious Dead Man's Cheese Ball
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on January 20, 2024

This dead man's cheese ball is a spooky and delicious addition to your Halloween party spread. Made with a combination of creamy cheeses, herbs, and spices, this festive snack is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The cheese ball is shaped like a skeleton, complete with olives for eyes and a bell pepper for a mouth. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables for a ghoulishly good time. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it the perfect appetizer for your Halloween gathering.

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Black olives, for eyes
  • 1 small bell pepper, sliced into a mouth shape
  • Crackers or sliced vegetables, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  2. Shape the cheese mixture into a skeleton shape on a serving platter or cutting board. Mold the head, ribs, arms, and legs using your hands.
  3. Place two black olives on the head for eyes. Use a slice of bell pepper to create a mouth for the skeleton.
  4. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve the dead man's cheese ball with crackers or sliced vegetables. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Cheese balls have been a popular party appetizer since the 1940s.
  • The tradition of shaping cheese balls into festive holiday shapes, like this dead man's cheese ball, started in the 1960s.
  • Cream cheese was invented in New York in the late 1800s and quickly became a staple in American cuisine, including cheese ball recipes.