Halloween Scarecrow Cheese Ball

Name: Halloween Scarecrow Cheese Ball
Prep time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons); 6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed; Cooking spray; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature; 6 tbsp. toasted pecans, chopped; 1 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 8 oz. smoked Cheddar, grated (about 2 cups); Pimiento-stuffed green olive and pecan half, for decorating; Woven wheat crackers, such as Triscuits, for serving

This fun, festive appetizer is the ultimate Halloween Party centerpiece!

By Christopher MichelPublished: Jul 27, 2023

1 Rating

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Ian Palmer

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr

Here's a Halloween party dish that doubles as a decoration! We took a classic cheese ball recipe and gussied it up into a fun, festive, Halloween cocktail party centerpiece.

With a cheese hat and phyllo dough hair, this little guy is sure to have guests "flocking" to the table. Woven wheat crackers, such as Triscuits, completes the effect.

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Ingredients

1/2 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons)
6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
Cooking spray
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
6 Tbsp. toasted pecans, chopped
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. smoked Cheddar, grated (about 2 cups)
Pimiento-stuffed green olive and pecan half, for decorating
Woven wheat crackers, such as Triscuits, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange Parmesan in a circle (about 4 ½- to 5-inches in diameter) on prepared baking sheet. Bake until melted and just turning golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Working quickly, use parchment paper or a spatula to flip cheese onto the outside of a conical strainer or other similar-shape object. Gently press or cover with glass or cup to shape. Let cool.
2. Step 2Reduce oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Tightly roll phyllo sheets and thinly slice. Loosen strands and place on baking sheet. Lightly grease. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool.
3. Step 3Beat cream cheese, pecans, paprika and pepper with an electric mixer on medium until fluffy and fully combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Add Cheddar and beat until just combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Using wet hands, shape cheese mixture into a ball.
4. Step 4Assemble scarecrow: Place cheese ball on a plate. Garnish with phyllo hair and top with Parmesan hat. Thinly slice olive to make eyes and add pecan to make a nose. Serve with crackers.