Haunted Goblin Cheese Ball
Transform your Halloween celebrations with this whimsical Haunted Goblin Cheese Ball! Inspired by Paula Deen, this spooky delight combines creamy cheeses, vibrant colors, and playful garnishes to create a fun and festive centerpiece. Each bite is a blend of savory cheese and crunchy vegetables, perfect for dipping with an assortment of crackers and fresh veggies. Whether you're hosting a party or attending a gathering, this adorable goblin is sure to spark joy and laughter among guests young and old!
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (room temperature)
Whipped Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Butter
4 tablespoons (room temperature)
Milk
1 tablespoon (none)
Shredded Mixed Cheeses
2 cups (such as Mexican for tacos)
Green Food Coloring
as needed (none)
Tortilla Chips
2 large (none)
Pepperoncini Pepper
1 whole (none)
Pimento Stuffed Olives
2 (none)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (cut into 2 strips and 6 small triangles)
Pitted Green Olives
6 (none)
Carrot
1 whole (cut into 20 small sticks)
Shredded Red Cabbage
3 cups (none)
Toothpick
as needed (none)
Assorted Crackers
as needed (none)
Assorted Fresh Vegetables
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well blended.
2
Slowly add the shredded mixed cheeses, mixing until evenly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
3
Once chilled, remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Place it onto a piece of waxed paper and shape it into a goblin head, ensuring it's somewhat rounded.
4
Position three pieces of waxed paper on the edges of a serving platter, creating a clean space in the center. Transfer the goblin head into the center of the platter, allowing some edges to rest on the waxed paper to keep the platter clean.
5
In a separate bowl, whip the remaining softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Use a spatula to spread it over the goblin head, allowing for some texture—this creates a more organic look for your goblin's skin.
6
In a small bowl, mix a few drops of green food coloring with 1 tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, paint the tortilla chips with this green mixture and allow them to dry.
7
Once the chips are dry, insert them into the sides of the cheese ball to form ears.
8
Skewer the pepperoncini pepper with a toothpick and carefully attach it to the top center of the head for a nose.
9
Insert the pimento-stuffed olives into the cheese ball to create bulging eyes. Use the red bell pepper strips to create eyebrows just above the olives.
10
Decorate the bottom of the cheese ball with the green olives, which will act as monstrous toes, finished with red pepper triangles as toenails.
11
For the teeth, press the carrot sticks into the front of the goblin head, allowing them to stick out slightly for a more frightening effect.
12
Gently remove the waxed paper from around the cheese ball by holding it in place with a spatula.
13
Finally, add the shredded red cabbage on top of the goblin to represent wild hair, enhancing the spooky aesthetic.
14
Serve your Haunted Goblin Cheese Ball with a platter of assorted crackers and fresh vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Haunted Goblin Cheese Ball?
The Haunted Goblin Cheese Ball is a whimsical, spooky Halloween centerpiece inspired by Paula Deen, made from creamy cheeses and decorated with vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving of this cheese ball?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
How long should the cheese mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though 24 hours is recommended for enhanced flavor.
What ingredients are used for the goblin's skin?
The 'skin' is created by spreading 8 ounces of softened whipped cream cheese over the shaped cheese ball with a spatula for an organic texture.
How do you make the goblin's ears?
The ears are made by painting large tortilla chips with a mixture of green food coloring and water, then inserting them into the sides of the cheese ball.
What is used to create the goblin's nose?
A whole pepperoncini pepper is skewered with a toothpick and attached to the top center of the head to form the nose.
How are the goblin's eyes and eyebrows made?
Pimento-stuffed olives serve as the bulging eyes, while red bell pepper strips are used to create the eyebrows above them.
What makes up the goblin's hair?
Three cups of shredded red cabbage are placed on top of the head to represent wild, spooky hair.
What is used for the goblin's teeth?
Small carrot sticks are pressed into the front of the goblin head to look like frightening teeth.
How are the monstrous toes and toenails constructed?
Pitted green olives are placed at the bottom for toes, and small red pepper triangles are added to them as toenails.
What type of shredded cheese is recommended for the base?
A shredded mixed cheese, such as a Mexican blend for tacos, is recommended for the base of the ball.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving; the fiber content is not specified.
How do you keep the serving platter clean while assembling?
Place pieces of waxed paper on the edges of the platter before placing the cheese ball down, then remove them after decorating is complete.
What should the Haunted Goblin Cheese Ball be served with?
It is best served with a platter of assorted crackers and fresh vegetables for dipping.
What equipment is needed to mix the cheese base?
An electric mixer is used to beat the cream cheese, butter, and milk until smooth.
What is the preparation for the butter and cream cheese?
Both the cream cheese and the butter should be at room temperature for the initial mixing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 total ingredients, including the various garnishes.
How do you prepare the green food coloring for the ears?
Mix a few drops of green food coloring with 1 tablespoon of water and apply it with a pastry brush.
What shape should the cheese mixture be formed into?
The mixture should be shaped into a rounded goblin head on waxed paper.
How many pimento olives are needed?
The recipe requires 2 pimento-stuffed olives to create the eyes.
Is the red cabbage cooked?
No, the 3 cups of shredded red cabbage are used raw to provide texture and color for the hair.
Can the cheese ball be made the day before?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping and decorating.
How do you remove the waxed paper from under the ball?
Gently remove the paper by holding the cheese ball in place with a spatula while pulling the paper away.
What kind of milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of regular milk to help blend the cheese mixture.
How many carrot sticks are used for the teeth?
The recipe suggests cutting one whole carrot into 20 small sticks to use as teeth.
What size should the tortilla chips be for the ears?
The recipe specifies 2 large tortilla chips.
How many red pepper triangles are used?
Six small red pepper triangles are used to create the toenails for the goblin.
Are toothpicks used for more than the nose?
The instructions specifically mention using a toothpick for the nose, but toothpicks are listed 'as needed' for assembly.