Creepy Cheese Balls with Pretzel Legs
These Creepy Cheese Balls with Pretzel Legs are the ultimate Halloween appetizer. Made with creamy, seasoned cheese and crunchy pretzel sticks, they’re shaped like little spiders that delight kids and adults alike. Perfectly spooky and surprisingly delicious!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
2 tbsp ranch dressing mix (or onion soup mix)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
48 thin pretzel sticks (6 per cheese ball)
16 black peppercorns or mini chocolate chips for eyes
Optional: orange food coloring
Optional: chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, ranch mix, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
2. Add food coloring if using and mix until evenly colored.
3. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and roll into balls.
4. Place on parchment-lined tray and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Insert 6 pretzel sticks into each ball (3 on each side).
6. Add two peppercorns or chocolate chips for eyes.
7. Chill for 1.5 more hours before serving.
Notes
For best texture, let the cheese chill fully before inserting legs.
Use mini chocolate chips if serving to kids.
Can be made 1–2 days in advance (add legs later).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg