Description
This Witch Hat Halloween Cheese Ball is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for Halloween parties. It features a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, and ranch seasoning, shaped into a fun witch hat and coated with crunchy poppy seeds. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, bread, or fresh vegetables for a spooky and tasty treat that can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 oz Cream Cheese (2 blocks, room temperature)
- 3 cups Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (shredded, room temperature)
- 1 oz Ranch Seasoning Mix
Coating
- 1 cup Poppy Seeds (for coating)
Instructions
- Bring Cheese to Room Temperature: Remove the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. This will make mixing easier and ensure a smooth texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Form the Hat Brim: Divide the cheese mixture into two portions: one-third and two-thirds. Transfer the one-third portion onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a flat, wide disc which will serve as the brim of the witch hat. If the mixture is too soft, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Create the Hat Cone: Place the remaining two-thirds of the cheese mixture on top of the brim and shape it into a cone to resemble a witch’s hat. Cover the entire cheese ball with plastic wrap carefully.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cheese hat for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and firm up completely.
- Coat with Poppy Seeds: Once the cheese ball is set, remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle poppy seeds generously over the entire surface, pressing them gently into the cheese to coat it evenly.
- Serve: Serve the witch hat cheese ball with crackers, pretzels, bread, and fresh vegetables. The cheese ball can be made several days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The amount of poppy seeds is an estimate. Start with a generous amount to completely coat the cheese ball for the best presentation and texture.
- Allowing the cheese mixtures to come to room temperature before mixing ensures a smoother consistency and easier shaping.
- Chilling the brim portion in the freezer helps it hold shape and makes assembling the hat easier.
- This cheese ball can be prepared well ahead of time and kept refrigerated, making it perfect for party planning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of cheese ball
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg