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Savory Charcuterie Skulls: Easy & Best Halloween Party Appetizer

Savory charcuterie skulls for Halloween parties - featured image

These savory charcuterie skulls are a spooky, savory Halloween appetizer that looks like a decoration but tastes like a cheese board. Made with cream cheese, cheddar, provolone, prosciutto, and salami, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese, finely diced
  • 4 oz prosciutto, finely chopped
  • 4 oz salami, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • a pinch of salt (optional)
  • olives for decoration (optional)
  • fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30 minutes before starting, or microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  2. Prep ingredients: Shred cheddar, finely dice provolone, chop prosciutto and salami into very fine pieces, mince chives and parsley.
  3. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced provolone, chopped prosciutto, chopped salami, minced chives, minced parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed. Taste and add salt only if needed.
  4. Pack the mold: Press the cheese mixture firmly into a clean, dry skull-shaped silicone mold, filling each cavity completely and smoothing the backs.
  5. Chill: Cover the filled mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  6. Unmold: Remove plastic wrap and gently press on the back of each cavity to release the skulls. If stubborn, run the bottom of the mold under warm water for a few seconds.
  7. Decorate: Press sliced black olives into eye sockets. Add rosemary sprigs around the skulls for a graveyard look. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
  8. Serve immediately or keep chilled. Best served cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Chilling is crucial for the skulls to hold their shape. Chop all ingredients very finely to avoid weak spots. Make ahead up to 3 days; flavors improve. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and vegan cheddar (texture will be softer).

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween appetizer, charcuterie skulls, savory skulls, cheese skulls, party appetizer, spooky snack, easy Halloween recipe