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Easy Halloween Charcuterie Board with Candy Corn Cheese Ball

Easy Halloween Charcuterie Board with Candy Corn Cheese Ball - featured image

A fun and festive Halloween charcuterie board featuring a savory candy corn-shaped cheese ball made with cream cheese, cheddar, and pecans, surrounded by sweet, salty, and crunchy snacks. Perfect for parties, this no-cook recipe is customizable, kid-friendly, and sure to be a conversation starter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (for cheese mixture)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (for coating, or use crushed tortilla chips or pretzels)
  • 1 cup candy corn
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks or rods
  • 2 apples, sliced thin (tossed in lemon juice)
  • 1 pear, sliced (tossed in lemon juice)
  • 1 cup grapes (red or green, in small clusters)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots or figs
  • 1 cup dark chocolate squares or Halloween-themed chocolates
  • 2030 assorted crackers (buttery rounds, whole wheat, seedy)
  • 8 ounces salami or prosciutto, sliced thin
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans. Mix until fully combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  2. Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic to shape it into a rough triangle (like a wedge of candy corn), about 6 inches wide at the base and 4 inches tall. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 48 hours.
  3. About 15 minutes before serving, spread the remaining 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (or a mix of crushed tortilla chips) on a plate for the coating.
  4. Unwrap the chilled cheese triangle and gently press it into the coating mixture, covering all sides. Pat with hands to adhere. Place in the center of a serving board.
  5. Arrange crackers, pretzels, sliced fruits, salami or prosciutto, candy corn, chocolate squares, and dried fruit around the cheese ball in small clusters. Use small bowls for items that may roll.
  6. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. Serve immediately, or let sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the cheese ball hold its shape. Toast pecans for extra flavor. Let the cheese ball come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for a creamy texture. Prep the cheese ball up to 2 days ahead. For a nut-free option, use crushed pretzels or tortilla chips for the coating. Leftover cheese ball can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween charcuterie board, candy corn cheese ball, Halloween appetizer, easy party snack, no-cook recipe, cheese ball, Halloween grazing board