Go Back

Anatomically-Correct Cheese Ball Brain

This savory Halloween centerpiece is a deliciously seasoned cheese ball shaped and textured to look like a gruesome brain. It's surprisingly simple to assemble and is guaranteed to be the talk of your spooky buffet. Serve with crackers for a creepy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese optional
  • 1/2 cup pecans, very finely chopped
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed
  • Red food coloring gel or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1-2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • Assorted crackers, for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Serving board or platter
  • Butter knife or toothpick

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
  2. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), and ranch seasoning mix until fully combined.
  3. If the mixture is too stiff to mold easily, beat in milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until pliable.
  4. Divide the cheese mixture in half.
  5. To one half, add a small amount of red food coloring gel (or tomato paste) and mix until a uniform pale pink 'flesh' color is achieved.
  6. On a large piece of plastic wrap, shape the pink cheese mixture into two equal-sized oval hemispheres.
  7. Place the two pink ovals side-by-side but slightly apart on your serving board to form the brain's two halves.
  8. Take the plain white cheese mixture and roll it into several long, thin 'worm' or rope shapes.
  9. Carefully arrange the white cheese ropes on top of the pink hemispheres to create the iconic brain folds and grooves.
  10. Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently press and define the crevices between the ropes for a more realistic texture.
  11. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning into the crevices, pressing gently to adhere and create a textured look.
  12. Chill the assembled cheese brain for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
  13. Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers.

Notes

For best flavor and texture, make this cheese ball 1 day ahead and let it chill overnight. The blue cheese is optional but adds a funky flavor that complements the other cheeses. If the cheese mixture becomes too soft while shaping, chill it for 15 minutes. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.