Cheese Ball Cauldron

A version of this Cheese Ball Cauldron is on the back cover of my book, Hungry Halloween featuring Movie Monster Munchies, Bewitched Buffet, and Dead Man's Diner. It was one of the first recipes I developed for my book way back in 2010 and I was so excited about it.

It's such a simple appetizer to make for a witch-themed Halloween party yet it really is impressive looking.

I've served these cheesy cauldrons at several Halloween parties over the years and they are always a hit with my Halloween party guests.

Hungry Halloween Cookbook

There is nothing more exciting to me than creating fun food for our Halloween parties which we've been hosting since 2007. My friends and family encouraged me to put my ideas into a cookbook and I'm so glad they did.

Writing that book led me to blogging and I couldn't be happier sharing fun holiday and party recipes here at Hungry Happenings with all of you.

We still host Halloween parties and each year I try to come up with a clever way to serve cheese. My party guests always gobble up any cheese I serve and they always appreciate a good cheese ball recipe.

 Ingredients

• cream cheese
• cheddar cheese
• bacon
• poppy seeds
• orange, yellow, and red peppers
• pretzel rods
• guacamole

Cheese Ball Recipe Variations

This cheese ball cauldron is simply made using a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon. The beauty of this food craft though, is that you can use your favorite cheese ball recipe.

I have several other cheese ball recipes you can choose from.

My favorite is the Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cheese Ball, but the Camembert Cheese Ball, Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Ball, and White Cheddar Cheese Ball are wonderful too.

Supplies

• shallow bowl
• disposable pastry bag
• kitchen scissors or knife

Shape the cheese ball and coat it in poppy seeds.

• Stir together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 6 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of finely chopped bacon until well combined.
• Roll into a ball.
• Pour poppy seeds into a shallow bowl.
• Roll the cheese ball in the poppy seeds leaving about ⅓ of the ball on one end uncovered.
• Stir the remaining 3 ounces of cream cheese until soft and creamy.
• Spoon into a disposable pastry bag.
• Snip off the tip of the bag and pipe a thick tube of cream cheese around the edge of the uncovered area creating the rim of the cauldron.
• Sprinkle poppy seeds over the rim and top of the cauldron.

Alternatives to poppy seeds

If you'd prefer not to coat your cheese ball in poppy seeds you can use...

• Black Sesame Seeds
• Crushed Blue or Black Tortilla Chips

Decorate the cauldron.

• Pipe a 1 ½-inch round of cream cheese in the center of a plate.
• Break off 2 ½ - 3-inch pieces from the ends of the pretzel rods.
• Arrange 10 pretzel rod pieces around the cream cheese on the plate so they look like logs on a fire.
• Enjoy the inner pretzel pieces as a snack.
• Set the cheese ball cauldron on top of the logs.
• Cut thin slices from the peppers then cut them into teardrop-shaped flames.
• Attach them to the base of the cauldron using the remaining cream cheese.
• Spoon guacamole into a pastry bag.
• Cut off the tip and pipe guacamole into the top of the cauldron.
• Allow a bit to drip over the rim.

Storage

• Serve with your favorite crackers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Variations

Related Recipes

If you are looking for more festive food for your Halloween party,
be sure to check out these other witch-themed Halloween recipes here on Hungry Happenings.

Crescent Roll Witch Hat

Peanut Butter Cauldron Pops

Cheese Ball Witch Hat

Caramel Apple Cauldron

Candy Filled Witch Cookies

Nutella Fudge Witch Hats

Chocolate Cauldron

Spinach Dip Witch