Skull Bones Spooky Spread (Printable Version)

A creamy spread shaped as a skull with crisp veggies, perfect for fun and festive gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ 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 - Black 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 celery sticks or breadsticks
12 - Fresh parsley or chives (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
02 - On a large serving platter, spread the creamy mixture into an oval shape resembling a skull and smooth the surface.
03 - Position celery sticks or breadsticks crossing beneath the bottom edge of the skull to create the crossbones.
04 - Place halved black olives as eyes. Use a small piece of carrot or olive slice for the nose. Arrange red bell pepper strips and carrot rounds to depict the mouth and teeth.
05 - Distribute cucumber slices and extra vegetable pieces over the skull for detail and color enhancement.
06 - Optionally, garnish with parsley or chives. Serve chilled alongside additional crackers or vegetable dippers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes just 20 minutes and requires zero cooking, so you can throw it together while getting ready for your party
  • Kids find it absolutely hilarious to eat from a vegetable skull, which means they actually eat their veggies without complaining
  • It's naturally vegetarian and can be gluten-free, so you're not stressed about dietary restrictions
02 -
  • If your cream cheese is cold straight from the fridge, it will be lumpy and impossible to spread smoothly. Leave it on the counter for 15 minutes—this one step changes everything.
  • Don't arrange your vegetables until just before serving. If they sit in contact with the cream cheese for too long, they'll start to weep moisture and lose their crispness. Chill the spread alone, then add the veggie details right before the party.
03 -
  • If olive halves slip around, use a tiny dab of cream cheese on the back like glue to anchor them in place
  • Slightly overlapping your vegetable pieces creates depth and visual interest—it stops the skull from looking sparse or flat
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