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This Halloween Charcuterie Board Will Be A Graveyard Smash

This recipe guides you in creating a festive Halloween charcuterie board centered around a savory-sweet pepper jelly cheddar cheese ball, shaped like a pumpkin. It features an array of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers, offering a balanced and visually appealing spread perfect for a spooky gathering.
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Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 4842.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For preparing the cheese ball.
  • 1 Rubber spatula or spoon For mixing and shaping the cheese ball.
  • 1 Box Grater or Microplane For grating fresh garlic and cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
  • 1 Large serving board or platter The foundation for assembling the charcuterie spread.
  • 1 Chef's knife For slicing bell peppers and any other ingredients.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • CHEESE BALL:
  • 2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. pepper jelly, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh grated garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded yellow cheddar plus more if needed
  • CHARCUTERIE BOARD:
  • 1/2 cup sliced red and yellow bell peppers plus 1 stem from a bell pepper
  • 4 oz. prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks such as Panino
  • 4 oz. blueberry goat cheese such as Boar’s Head
  • 4 oz. genoa salami
  • 3/4 cup pimento stuffed green olives
  • 2 cups dark seedless grapes or blackberries
  • 1/2 cup yogurt covered raisins
  • 1 cup buttery toasted pecans or Smokehouse almonds such as Blue Diamond
  • Assorted crackers for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup pepper jelly, fresh grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
  • Form the cheese ball mixture into a pumpkin shape and gently press to create slight indentations for a more realistic look.
  • Chill the shaped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Arrange the chilled pumpkin-shaped cheese ball as the centerpiece on your serving board.
  • Insert the bell pepper stem into the top of the cheese ball to complete the pumpkin appearance.
  • Artistically arrange the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks, blueberry goat cheese, genoa salami, pimento-stuffed green olives, dark seedless grapes or blackberries, yogurt-covered raisins, and toasted pecans or Smokehouse almonds around the cheese ball.
  • Pour the remaining 2 Tbsp. pepper jelly over the top of the cheese ball or serve it alongside in a small dish.
  • Fill any empty spaces on the board with an assortment of crackers for serving.
  • Serve immediately, ensuring a balanced and appealing presentation for your guests.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cheese ball. This is critical for both texture and ease of mixing. When shaping the cheese ball, slightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking and achieve a cleaner 'pumpkin' shape. For an extra festive touch, use a few strands of chives or pretzel sticks to mimic vines around the bell pepper stem on the pumpkin cheese ball. Balance the board with a variety of colors and textures; the contrast between the dark grapes/blackberries and the bright bell peppers is visually appealing. Consider arranging items in clusters for visual impact and ease of access for guests. A small, decorative bowl for the olives can add structure to the board.