Giant Spider Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are the best, aren't they?

Need something to bring to a potluck? Cheese ball. Want to make something festive? Cheese ball. Something for an appie, side, or dessert? Cheese ball. Looking for quick and easy? Cheese ball. 

We made this spooktacular chocolate peanut butter cheesecake-y spider as a treat for our Halloween party. It only takes a few minutes to put together and makes a pretty big impression on the table! If your chocolate piping skills are lacking (as mine are) then you can use black licorice for legs instead. Up to you! You can also stick edible googly eyes on him, if you like. I found he looked creepier without eyes. 

Giant Spider Cheese Ball

Ingredients

2 bricks (16 oz total) cream cheese, room temp

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup butter, room temp

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups icing sugar

6 Tbsp  baking cocoa

~1 cup mini chocolate chips 

chocolate for piping legs or black licorice 

Directions

Beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla until smooth, scraping bowl as needed. Stir in the icing sugar and baking cocoa. 

Divide into 2 balls - one about 2/3rds and one about 1/3rd, for the body and head. Roll the balls in the mini chocolate chips and then wrap in plastic wrap. Place in bowls so the balls retain their round shape. Chill until firm. 

After chilling; unwrap the balls and roll in more mini chocolate chips to cover any spots that you may have missed. Place on a serving platter. 

Pipe 4 legs on either side of the body (or place black licorice). Cover and chill until ready to serve!

Looking to make something that will have everyone talking, but don't want to have to work too hard?

We feel ya. We're here for you. 

We served him with graham crackers, animal crackers, and strawberries! You could use any fruit you like!