Ian Palmer
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.
Read More
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Yields: 8 serving(s)
Prep Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr
Ingredients
Save Recipe- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLvUp6ursZyew6q6xmeaqKVfm7ywsIydqaKmm6h8ooCTb21va2BtfLSvwKucnKqfrHqktMSeqp5lkpa5rXnRnpqiqJVk