Description
No-bake, make-ahead Halloween appetizer. Mini white “ghost” cheese balls with sesame or olive eyes—kid-friendly with dairy-free and gluten-free options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) finely shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ cup (56 g) finely shredded low-moisture mozzarella (in mix)
- 2 Tbsp (8 g) finely chopped chives or parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt
- 1 ¼ cups (140 g) ultra-fine shredded mozzarella or grated mild white cheddar (for coating)
- Black sesame seeds or minced black olives (eyes/mouth)
- Mini pretzel sticks or plain picks (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash cream cheese until smooth. Fold in cheddar, mozzarella (in mix), chives, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Cover and chill 30 minutes.
- Scoop 1 Tbsp portions (about 20–22 g). Roll smooth, then pinch one side upward to form a ghost head.
- Roll in ultra-fine white cheese to coat. Press in sesame or olive bits for eyes/mouth. Add pretzel sticks if using and serve chilled.
Notes
Dairy-free: use firm plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheddar/mozzarella; chill 45 minutes. Gluten-free: choose GF pretzel sticks; skip any panko coatings. Make ahead up to 2 days; add eyes right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini ghosts
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 260
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: Ghostly Cheese Balls, Halloween appetizer, cheese ball bites, no-bake party snack, cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, make-ahead