Skull Bones Spooky Spread (Print)

A festive creamy spread shaped with fresh veggies into a spooky skull and crossbones, ideal for Halloween gatherings.

# Components:

→ Creamy Spread

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 tbsp sour cream
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp lemon juice
05 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Skull Features & Decoration

06 - 1 small cucumber, sliced into rounds
07 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
08 - 2 large black olives, halved
09 - 1 small carrot, sliced into rounds and cut for teeth and nose
10 - 2 to 4 long celery sticks or breadsticks
11 - Fresh parsley or chives (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
02 - On a large serving platter, mold the mixture into an oval shape resembling a skull and smooth the surface with a spatula.
03 - Place celery sticks or breadsticks crossed beneath the lower skull shape to emulate crossbones.
04 - Position black olive halves as eyes, add a small piece of carrot or olive for the nose, and arrange red bell pepper strips and carrot rounds to simulate mouth and teeth.
05 - Use cucumber slices and extra vegetable pieces to complete the skull’s appearance and enhance visual appeal.
06 - Optionally sprinkle parsley or chives over the skull. Chill before serving with crackers or vegetable dippers.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • It looks scary-impressive but tastes incredibly creamy and delicious, proving that Halloween food doesn't have to be gimmicky or gross
  • Kids and adults both go wild for it because it's interactive—you're dipping vegetables into silky garlic cream cheese heaven
  • Zero cooking required means you can prep this while managing five other dishes, which is basically magic on party day
02 -
  • Softening your cream cheese REALLY matters—if you try to work with cold cream cheese, your skull will look lumpy and torn, and you'll want to throw it in the trash. Let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes. Your future self will thank you.
  • Don't prep your vegetables hours in advance; cut them about 30-45 minutes before assembly so they stay crisp and don't weep watery tears all over your platter. That's the secret to keeping everything looking fresh and inviting.
03 -
  • If your cream cheese mixture seems too thick after mixing, thin it out one teaspoon at a time with additional sour cream or even a tiny splash of milk. You want it spreadable but not runny—it should hold the shape you create without sagging or sliding off the platter.
  • Use a warm, slightly damp knife to shape the skull outline if you're struggling to get clean edges. The warmth makes the cream cheese cooperative and forgiving. This makes the difference between a skull that looks intentional and one that looks like you gave up halfway through.
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