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Quick Halloween Charcuterie Board with Candy Corn Cheese

halloween charcuterie board - featured image
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A quick and easy Halloween charcuterie board featuring a homemade candy corn cheese spread, paired with sweet and salty accompaniments. Perfect for Halloween parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Yellow and red food coloring (optional)
  • 1 cup candy corn
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks or mini pretzels
  • 1 cup apple slices (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/2 cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate-covered almonds
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubes or crackers
  • Fresh rosemary or sage sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the candy corn cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well-combined, about 2 minutes.
  2. Divide and color the cheese: Divide the cheese mixture into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain. Add 2-3 drops of yellow food coloring to the second portion and mix. Add 2 drops of yellow and 1 drop of red to the third portion to create orange. Mix well.
  3. Layer the cheese in plastic wrap: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the orange cheese onto the center and shape into a rough triangle about 6 inches wide at the base and 4 inches tall. Spoon the yellow cheese below the orange, pressing gently. Spoon the plain cheese below the yellow, forming the white base.
  4. Shape and chill the cheese: Fold the plastic wrap over the cheese and mold into a smooth, triangular candy corn shape. Press firmly to eliminate air pockets. Twist ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
  5. Prepare the board: While cheese chills, arrange serving board. Place three small bowls for candy corn, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. Arrange pretzel sticks in clusters. Fan out apple slices. Scatter chocolate-covered almonds. Place cheddar cubes or crackers in small piles.
  6. Unmold and place the cheese: Remove chilled cheese from refrigerator. Unwrap carefully. Place cheese triangle in center of board with white base at bottom and orange tip pointing up.
  7. Garnish and serve: Tuck fresh rosemary or sage sprigs around cheese base. Scatter extra candy corn pieces. Serve immediately with small cheese knives. Let cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if straight from fridge.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are essential for smooth cheese. Make candy corn cheese up to 2 days ahead. Toss apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. For vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheddar, replace honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, charcuterie board, candy corn cheese, appetizer, party food, fall, spooky

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/quick-halloween-charcuterie-board-with-candy-corn-cheese/