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Lightened-Up Mummy Cheese Ball with Pretzel Sticks

Lightened-Up Mummy Cheese Ball with Pretzel Sticks - featured image
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A lighter, tangier version of a classic cheeseball, shaped like a mummy with pretzel sticks for bandages and olive eyes. Perfect for Halloween parties or any fun gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp salt (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 20–25 pretzel sticks
  • 2 black olives, sliced
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, if mixture is too thick)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. If in a hurry, microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power.
  2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  3. Add cheese and seasonings: Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt (if using). Mix on low speed until just combined. Stir in fresh chives and parsley by hand with a spatula.
  4. Check consistency: Mixture should be thick but spreadable. If too stiff, add 1 tablespoon of milk and mix again. If too soft, add more shredded cheese.
  5. Shape the cheeseball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on work surface. Spoon cheese mixture into center. Gather edges of plastic wrap and twist to form a tight ball. Shape into a smooth round ball through the plastic.
  6. Chill the cheeseball: Place wrapped cheeseball on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
  7. Prepare pretzel ‘bandages’: About 30 minutes before serving, remove cheeseball from fridge. Unwrap and place on serving platter. Gently press pretzel sticks into cheeseball, spacing about 1/4 inch apart, starting at bottom and working up, leaving space at top for eyes.
  8. Add the eyes: Slice two black olives into rounds. Place two olive slices in the exposed area at the top for mummy’s eyes. Optionally, use small dots of cream cheese for ‘pupils’.
  9. Serve immediately: Best served within 30 minutes of adding pretzels so sticks stay crunchy. If not serving right away, keep chilled and add pretzels just before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling step—a warm cheeseball is sticky and messy. Use a light hand with yogurt to avoid a soft mixture. Toast pretzels at 300°F for 5-7 minutes for extra crunch. Make ahead up to 3 days without pretzels. Leftover cheeseball (without pretzels) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze undecorated cheeseball for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mummy cheeseball, Halloween appetizer, lightened-up cheeseball, pretzel sticks, Greek yogurt cheeseball, spooky snack, party appetizer

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/lightened-up-mummy-cheese-ball-with-pretzel-sticks/