Description
Spider Cheeseballs are a fun and spooky Halloween appetizer perfect for party platters. These creamy cheese balls combine sharp cheddar and cream cheese with flavorful spices, coated in black tortilla chips or sesame seeds and decorated with black olives to resemble creepy spiders. Easy to make ahead and visually impressive, they’re a delicious and festive snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce or Dijon mustard (optional)
Coating and Decoration
- Crushed black tortilla chips or black sesame seeds for coating
- Black olives, whole and sliced (for spider bodies and legs)
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chives or hot sauce. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out the chilled mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball gently between your palms to form smooth spheres.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each cheeseball in crushed black tortilla chips or black sesame seeds until fully coated, giving them a textured, spooky appearance.
- Add Spider Decorations: Cut whole black olives in half and gently press one half on top of each cheeseball to form the spider’s body. Slice additional olives into thin strips and arrange 3 to 4 “legs” on each side of the olive body, pressing them into the coating so they stick.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the decorated cheeseballs back in the refrigerator and chill for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the legs stay firmly attached and the cheese balls remain firm.
- Serve: Arrange the spider cheeseballs on a Halloween-themed platter alongside crackers or vegetables and enjoy a spooky, delicious appetizer.
Notes
- These cheeseballs can be made up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a flavor variation, experiment with different cheese blends or add finely chopped jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese mixture.
- Use gluten-free chips for a gluten-free version.
- Allow sufficient chilling time to ensure the cheese balls hold shape and the olive legs stay attached.
