This no-cook Halloween cheese ball is a savory mix of cream cheese, sharp cheddar and blue cheese with green onions and chopped pecans. You roll it in more pecans and use sliced black olives to make a Jack Skellington face. It serves 8 and is served with crackers, pretzels or fresh vegetables.
Save this recipe for later:
Prep takes 20 minutes and nothing is cooked. The cheese ball then chills for at least 2 hours, so the total is 2 hours 20 minutes. Chilling is what firms it up and lets the flavors blend.
What Goes in the Cheese Ball
The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each ingredient does.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): the base, rich and creamy. Softening it first makes it much easier to mix smooth.
- Sharp cheddar (1 cup, shredded): adds a tangy flavor.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): the bold note. Feta or goat cheese can replace it for a milder flavor.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped) and pecans (1/4 cup, chopped): fresh bite and crunch in the mixture.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): the seasoning. The onion powder goes with the green onions.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): optional, for some heat.
- More chopped pecans (1/4 cup): for rolling the outside.
- Sliced black olives (1/4 cup): for the face.
Mixing, Chilling and Decorating
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar, blue cheese, green onions, pecans and seasonings until well combined and smooth. A hand mixer is quicker, but a sturdy fork works.
Shape the mixture into a ball with your hands, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm. Unwrap it, roll it in the extra pecans until it is fully coated, and set it on a serving platter. Arrange the olive slices into the face.
Tips for a Good Cheese Ball
- Soften the cream cheese. It mixes more easily and the texture comes out smoother.
- Do not skip the chilling. At least 2 hours gives the ball a firmer shape and the flavors time to blend.
- Make it a day ahead. Keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until you serve it.
- Add herbs. Fresh dill or chives work well in the mixture.
- Decorate the platter. Chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil add some visual appeal.
Ways to Change It
- Spicy: diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce in the cheese mixture.
- Herbs: dill, chives or parsley mixed in.
- Cheese: feta or goat cheese in place of the blue cheese, or pepper jack for a spicier ball.
- Nut-free: leave out the pecans and roll the ball in crushed pork rinds or sunflower seeds.
- Vegan: vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of the cheddar and blue cheese, with chopped olives and herbs for flavor.
- Sweet and savory: dried cranberries or chopped apples in the mixture.
What to Serve With It
The recipe card suggests crackers, pretzels or fresh vegetables for dipping. Almond flour or cheese-based crackers, cucumber slices, bell peppers and celery sticks all work, and so do pork rinds. For a fuller platter, add slices of cheddar, gouda or pepper jack, sliced meats, a bowl of olives or a mix of unsalted almonds and walnuts. Sparkling water with lime is an easy drink.
Nutrition per Serving
One serving, an eighth of the cheese ball, has approximately 210 calories, 20 grams of fat (10 grams saturated), 2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 6 grams of protein and 200 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates and depend on the dippers you choose.
FAQ
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Make it a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you serve it.
What can replace blue cheese?
Feta or goat cheese.
How do you store leftovers?
In an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to a week.
Can I change the flavors?
Yes. Add herbs, spices or diced jalapeños to suit your taste.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Skellington Cheese Ball: Create This Fun Halloween Treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, green onions, chopped pecans, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until well combined and smooth.
Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the additional chopped pecans until fully coated.
Place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Use the sliced black olives to create a skellington face on the cheese ball for decoration.
Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 calories |
| Sugar Content | 1g |
| Sodium Content | 200mg |
| Fat Content | 20g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 8g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 2g |
| Fiber Content | 0g |
| Protein Content | 6g |
| Cholesterol Content | 40mg |