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Easy Spooky Halloween Charcuterie Skulls Board

Halloween charcuterie board - featured image
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A savory Halloween charcuterie board featuring cheese skulls made from mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, surrounded by cured meats, olives, nuts, and crackers. It’s a spooky yet delicious appetizer that comes together in under 30 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces block mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, whole milk)
  • 8 ounces block cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, orange)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon milk (only if needed)
  • 6 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces salami (genoa or hard salami, sliced thin)
  • 4 ounces pepperoni (mini or regular slices)
  • 1 cup assorted olives (kalamata, green, or castelvetrano)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or whole)
  • 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (cornichons, pickled onions, or pickled peppers)
  • 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans, roasted and salted)
  • 1 cup crackers (assorted shapes and flavors)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary sprigs, thyme, or edible flowers)

Instructions

  1. Shred the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses using a box grater or food processor. You need about 2 cups of each. Place in separate bowls.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar to the cream cheese mixture. Fold with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky but hold together when pressed.
  4. Lightly spray a skull-shaped silicone mold with non-stick cooking spray or brush with neutral oil.
  5. Press small handfuls of the cheese mixture firmly into the mold, starting with the eye sockets and nose cavity. Fill completely, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Smooth the surface with a spoon or fingers.
  6. Cover the filled mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight.
  7. Once chilled and firm, remove the mold from the fridge. Gently flex the silicone to loosen edges, then carefully peel the mold away from the cheese skull. If it sticks, let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Place the unmolded cheese skulls on a large serving board or platter as the centerpiece.
  9. Arrange the cured meats around the skulls, folding or rolling them into ribbons. Add crackers in small clusters. Fill small bowls with olives, pickles, and nuts, and place them in gaps. Scatter cherry tomatoes and remaining ingredients in empty spaces.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent binding; always shred your own cheese from a block. Chill the cheese skulls for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for best results. The board is best served within an hour of assembly. Leftover cheese skulls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween charcuterie board, cheese skulls, spooky appetizer, Halloween snack, savory Halloween board

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-spooky-halloween-charcuterie-skulls-board/