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Easy Halloween Charcuterie Board with Candy Corn & Cheese

easy halloween charcuterie board - featured image
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A quick and playful Halloween charcuterie board featuring adorable cream cheese pumpkins, candy corn, and savory snacks. Perfect for a festive weeknight dinner or pre-trick-or-treating snack, this board comes together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pretzel sticks or small pretzel twists (for pumpkin stems)
  • Fresh chives or small parsley leaves (for pumpkin vines, optional)
  • 1 cup candy corn
  • 1 cup candy pumpkins (optional)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or cubed
  • 4 ounces salami or pepperoni, sliced
  • 1 cup mixed crackers
  • 1 cup pretzel twists or sticks
  • 1 cup grapes, red or green
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1/2 cup hummus or ranch dip
  • 1/4 cup roasted almonds or peanuts
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with a rubber spatula until evenly combined. If too soft, refrigerate for 5 minutes.
  2. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the cheese mixture into 6 to 8 equal balls. Place one ball on the plastic wrap, gather the corners, and twist to form a tight, round ball. Repeat with remaining portions. Refrigerate wrapped balls for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Once chilled, unwrap each ball and gently roll between your palms to smooth out creases. Press your thumb gently into the top center to create a small indent for the stem. Insert a pretzel stick or small pretzel twist into the indent. For a finishing touch, tuck a small piece of fresh chive or parsley leaf next to the stem. Set aside.
  4. Place your large cutting board or serving platter on your counter. Start by positioning small bowls or ramekins for candy corn, hummus or ranch dip, and nuts. Spread them out evenly.
  5. Arrange the cheese pumpkins in a small cluster near the center or slightly off to one side. Fan out sliced cheddar cheese and salami in small piles or overlapping rows around them.
  6. Fill in the gaps with crackers, pretzels, grapes, and baby carrots. Create visual variety by grouping colors together. Sprinkle candy corn and candy pumpkins in small clusters around the board.
  7. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs tucked between the cheese and crackers.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate. If refrigerated, let the board sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip chilling the cheese pumpkins—they hold their shape better. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers and pretzels. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded dairy-free cheddar. Store leftovers separately: cheese pumpkins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, crackers and pretzels at room temperature, and candy corn in a sealed bag.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween charcuterie board, candy corn, cheese pumpkins, easy appetizer, Halloween snack, quick recipe, party platter

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/easy-halloween-charcuterie-board-with-candy-corn-and-cheese/