Rat Cheese Ball
Unleash your creativity this entertaining season with the whimsical and crowd-pleasing Rat Cheese Ball! Perfect for holiday gatherings, Halloween parties, or themed events, this adorable appetizer combines the creamy tang of cream cheese with the bold sharpness of shredded cheddar, while a hint of garlic powder, paprika, and green onions adds layers of savory flavor. Shaped into a playful rat-like figure complete with olive eyes, almond ears, and a pepperoni tail, this cheese ball is not just delicious but a conversation starter. Quick and fuss-free to prepare in just 20 minutes (with a short chilling period), it pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. Whether you're looking to charm your guests with a creative display or simply serve up a delicious snack, this Rat Cheese Ball recipe will be a guaranteed hit!
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cream cheese
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 stalks Green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 pieces Sliced black olives
- 4 pieces Whole almonds
- 2 pieces Pepperoni slices
- 1 sheet Plastic wrap
- 1 lb Crackers or vegetable sticks (for serving)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-combined.
Add the finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on your counter, then transfer the cheese mixture to the center of the sheet.
Shape the cheese mixture into an oval or rounded rat-like body using the plastic wrap to help mold it. The body should be slightly elongated to resemble a rat’s form.
Chill the shaped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once firm, carefully unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving plate.
Use the sliced black olives to create eyes, and place a small piece of olive in the front for the nose.
Stick whole almonds into the head area to create rat ears.
For the tail, insert a rolled pepperoni slice behind the cheese ball, carefully shaping it into a tail that extends out from the body.
Optional: Dust lightly with additional paprika for color, if desired.
Serve the Rat Cheese Ball with crackers or vegetable sticks on the side, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
365 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.7 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.4 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 543 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 118 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
