Description

Spider Cheeseballs are a spooky and fun Halloween appetizer featuring creamy cheese balls coated in black sesame seeds and decorated with pretzel stick legs to resemble spiders. This no-cook, make-ahead recipe combines cream cheese, goat cheese, fresh herbs, and savory spices to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful bite perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cheese Mixture

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces goat cheese
4 green onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Coating and Decoration

1/2 cup black sesame seeds
2 cups pretzel sticks
Additional pretzels and crackers for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and extra virgin olive oil until smooth and creamy. Add the goat cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, dried dill weed, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
Form the Cheese Balls: Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small 1 1/2-inch balls to create small spiders, and larger 3-inch balls for larger spiders. Ensure the balls are smooth and uniform in size for a neat presentation.
Coat with Sesame Seeds: Roll each cheese ball in the black sesame seeds, pressing gently so the seeds adhere evenly to the surface, giving the appearance of a textured spider body.
Attach Pretzel Legs: For each small spider, break four pretzel sticks in half to make eight legs. Insert four legs on each side of the cheese ball to resemble spider legs. For larger spiders, use eight whole pretzel sticks, placing four on each side. Adjust the legs so they are evenly spaced and balanced.
Chill Before Serving: Wrap the decorated Spider Cheeseballs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm them again and enhance flavors. Serve chilled with additional pretzel sticks and crackers on the side for guests to enjoy.

Notes

This recipe can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
Use full-fat cream cheese and goat cheese for best flavor and texture.
Black sesame seeds provide color and texture, but you can substitute with finely chopped black olives if preferred.
Adjust the seasoning with more or less salt and pepper to taste.
For a kid-friendly version, omit the garlic or reduce to 1 clove.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 spider cheeseball (approx. 2 oz)
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg