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Easy Halloween Charcuterie Board with Candy Corn Cheese Balls

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A fun and delicious Halloween charcuterie board featuring candy corn-shaped cheese balls made with cream cheese and cheddar. Perfect for parties, this board is quick to assemble and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup white cheddar or Monterey Jack, finely shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • Pretzel sticks or mini pretzels
  • Crackers (butter crackers, wheat thins, or bagel chips)
  • Sliced apples or pears (tossed with lemon juice)
  • Dried cranberries or cherries
  • Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • Dark chocolate pieces or candy corn
  • Sliced salami or prosciutto (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or sage sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add milk or cream if needed.
  2. Divide the cheese mixture into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain (white layer). To the second portion, add paprika and mix until evenly colored (orange layer). To the third portion, add shredded white cheddar or Monterey Jack and mix well (yellow layer).
  3. Tear off a sheet of plastic wrap for each cheese ball. Take about 1 tablespoon of the white mixture and shape into a small disc. Place on plastic wrap. Add the same amount of yellow mixture on top, then orange mixture on top of that. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist to form a ball, shaping it into a candy corn shape. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 3-4 cheese balls.
  4. Wrap each cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, remove cheese balls from fridge to soften slightly. Place them on a large board or platter. Add small bowls with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, or other items.
  6. Fill the board with pretzel sticks, crackers, sliced salami or prosciutto, apple slices, dried fruit, and dark chocolate or candy corn. Garnish with fresh rosemary or sage sprigs. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time—cheese balls need at least 2 hours to firm up. Wet your hands slightly when shaping to prevent sticking. Make cheese balls a day ahead for best flavor. Let board sit out 15-20 minutes before serving. For food safety, don’t leave out more than 2 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween charcuterie board, candy corn cheese balls, Halloween appetizer, cheese ball recipe, party snack, Halloween party food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-halloween-charcuterie-board-with-candy-corn-cheese-balls/