Skull Bones Halloween Spread (Print Version)

Creamy, festive skull-shaped spread paired with fresh vegetables for a fun Halloween treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, to taste
06 - Pepper, to taste

→ Skull Features & Decoration

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

# Steps:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix until smooth and homogeneous.
02 - Transfer the mixture to a large platter, shaping it into an oval skull form using a spatula, smoothing the surface evenly.
03 - Position celery sticks or breadsticks crossing beneath the base of the skull to simulate crossbones.
04 - Place black olive halves as eyes; use a small carrot piece or olive slice for the nose; arrange red bell pepper strips and carrot rounds to depict mouth and teeth.
05 - Enhance the skull with cucumber slices and additional sliced vegetables to provide detail and color.
06 - Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives atop if desired; chill before serving alongside crackers or vegetable dippers.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required—this is perfect when your oven is already overflowing with other dishes.
  • It's a showstopper that takes 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours on it.
  • Kids and adults alike love the interactive element of choosing their own veggie dippers and creating their own bites.
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for gluten-free guests, so no one feels left out.
02 -
  • Soft cream cheese is non-negotiable—if it's still cold and stiff, your spread will look lumpy and rough. Give it 30 minutes on the counter before you start, or soften it briefly in the microwave in five-second bursts.
  • Don't skimp on the sour cream. I learned this the hard way when I tried to make it once with just cream cheese and water. The sour cream is what gives this dip its signature texture and prevents it from being dense and heavy.
03 -
  • If you're nervous about shaping the spread freehand, you can trace around a skull-shaped template with a toothpick before you start arranging vegetables—no one will see it, but it gives you confidence.
  • Keep your spatula slightly damp while shaping the spread. It prevents sticking and gives you more control, almost like you're sculpting rather than spreading.
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