Cauliflower Brain Cheese Ball Charcuterie Board
A spooky, delicious cheese ball shaped like a brain made with cauliflower and cheese—perfect for Halloween parties or fun entertaining. Surrounded by crackers, veggies, and meats, it’s both eye-catching and satisfying.
Equipment
- Optional Equipment:
- Food processor (for faster cauliflower mashing)
- Decorative knife (for fun cheese or veggie shapes)
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Brain Cheese Ball:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower about 2 pounds, cut into florets
- 16 oz cream cheese 2 blocks, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- A few drops red food coloring for decoration
For the Charcuterie Board:
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 2 cups crackers
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 12 slices assorted meats salami, turkey, ham
Instructions
Steam the Cauliflower:
- Steam 2 cups of cauliflower florets until tender. Let cool, then finely chop.
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cauliflower, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped chives. Mix well until smooth.
Shape the Brain:
- Form the mixture into a ball. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to shape into a brain by creating curved ridges.
Chill the Cheese Ball:
- Wrap the shaped cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Decorate:
- Before serving, add a few drops of red food coloring to the surface to enhance the brain-like effect.
Assemble the Board:
- Place the cheese brain in the center of a large serving board. Surround it with baby carrots, crackers, cucumbers, bell peppers, and sliced meats.
Serve:
- Provide spreaders or small spoons for guests to scoop and enjoy.