Fun Food For Halloween

Expert Tips

• Start with room temperature cheeses.
• Shred a block of cheddar for best flavor and easier integration.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest result.
• Use an electric mixer or your hands to combine everything together.
• It can sit at room temperature for a couple of hours so it’s great on an appetizer party table.

Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning packet
• 1 broccoli stalk or bell pepper stem

Combine Cheddar cheese and next 4 ingredients in a bowl until blended. Cover and chill 4 hours or until mixture is firm enough to be shaped.

Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth entire outer surface with a frosting spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.

Cut florets from broccoli stalk, and reserve for another use. Cut stalk to resemble a pumpkin stem, and press into top of cheese ball. Serve cheese ball with apple wedges.

Make Ahead

Prepare the recipe and wrap the cheese ball without the stalk, tightly in plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Attach stalk before serving

Serving Suggestions

Serve it with a variety of dippers, and add fresh or dried fruit on the side.

To make the breadstick bones, use refrigerated bread dough or pizza dough and sprinkle with parmesan or Everything Bagel seasoning before baking.