Skellington Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
This Skellington Cheese Ball is a fun and festive appetizer perfect for Halloween parties or any spooky gathering. It combines creamy cheddar and cream cheese with flavorful seasonings, shaped into a ball and decorated with black olives to create a creepy, edible face. It’s both easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients
- 2 cups cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Black olives for decoration
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Step 2: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the cheese mixture, then stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a bowl molding. Make sure it’s firm and uniform.
- Step 4: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Step 5: After chilling, decorate the cheese ball by arranging black olives to create Skellington’s eyes, nose, and mouth on the surface.
- Step 6: Place the decorated cheese ball on a serving platter and it’s ready to serve with crackers or veggies.
Tips & Variations
- For best flavor and texture, use fresh cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar rather than pre-shredded. This helps everything stick better and tastes fresher.
- If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the cheese mixture.
- Try different olive shapes or sizes for unique facial features, or add chives for a touch of green.
Storage
Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If chilled longer, let it warm at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Discard if left out for more than 2 hours.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge, then add olive decorations just before serving.
What can I serve with the Skellington Cheese Ball?
This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with a selection of crackers, sliced baguette, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for dipping.
PrintSkellington Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe
This Skellington Cheese Ball Appetizer is a fun and festive party snack featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, and decorated with black olives to create a spooky Skellington face. It’s perfect for Halloween gatherings or themed events.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese Ball
- 2 cups cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Decoration
- Black olives (for eyes, nose, and mouth)
Instructions
- Combine cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese until smooth and well integrated.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the cheese mixture.
- Shape cheese ball: Form the cheese mixture into a compact ball using your hands or a spatula to create a sturdy base for decoration.
- Chill the ball: Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and decorate.
- Decorate with olives: After chilling, use black olives to create Skellington’s face features such as eyes, nose, and mouth by pressing them gently onto the surface of the cheese ball.
- Serve: Place the decorated cheese ball on a serving platter and serve as a festive appetizer for your guests.
Notes
- Use fresh, softened cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar for the best texture and flavor.
- Chilling is essential to help the cheese ball hold its shape and make decorating easier.
- Feel free to substitute black olives with other edible decorations if desired.
- The cheese ball can be prepared a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Skellington cheese ball, Halloween appetizer, cheese ball recipe, cream cheese appetizer, festive snack, party food, decorated cheese ball

