Creamy, melty cheese ball spiced with jalapeños, salsa and pretzel legs for a fun, festive party snack.
# Components:
→ Cheese Dip
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
04 - 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
05 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Decoration & Assembly
10 - 16 pretzel rods
11 - 4 black olives
12 - 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
13 - Fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
# Method:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and allow it to come to temperature.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, salsa, jalapeño if desired, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until smooth.
03 - Transfer mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or shape it into a slightly flattened ball on a parchment-lined baking tray to resemble a spider’s body.
04 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly throughout.
05 - Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
06 - Insert 8 pretzel rods into each side of the cheese ball to create spider legs.
07 - Slice black olives to craft eyes and accents; use a tiny amount of sour cream for eyeball whites as desired.
08 - Garnish with diced fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately with additional pretzel rods or crackers.
