Jack-o’-Lantern Cheese Ball

Why you’ll love it

• Kid-friendly: fun to make and decorate together.
• Party-ready: easy to make ahead and share.
• Cute, not scary: perfect for school parties and trick-or-treat night.

Quick facts

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup finely crushed orange cheese crackers
• 1 stem from a green bell pepper
• 3 large pitted black olives
• Crackers, pretzels, and apple slices, for serving

Step-by-step method

1. Beat the cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and paprika until well blended.

2. Scoop onto plastic wrap, gather into a ball, and twist the wrap tight. Chill at least 2 hours, until firm.

3. Unwrap and roll the ball in the crushed crackers, pressing so they stick. Flatten the bottom slightly so it sits upright.

4. Press the back of a butter knife down the sides from top to bottom, 6 to 8 times, to make pumpkin ridges.

5. Push the pepper stem into the top. Cut the olives into triangle eyes, a nose, and a toothy grin, and press them on. Serve with crackers.

Pro tip

For a neat face, cut the olive pieces on a paper towel first and use a toothpick to nudge them into place.

Make ahead

Shape and chill the ball up to 2 days ahead; roll in crumbs and add the face up to 4 hours before serving.