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Lighter Mummy Wrapped Cheese Ball with Crackers

lighter mummy wrapped cheese ball with crackers - featured image

A lighter, crispier Halloween appetizer featuring a creamy cheese log wrapped in flaky phyllo dough instead of puff pastry. This spooky mummy is perfect for parties and disappears from the snack table every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim works great)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
  • 2 candy eyes
  • 1 box of your favorite crackers (e.g., buttery rounds or whole wheat crisps)
  • Optional: sliced vegetables like cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips for dipping

Instructions

  1. Make the cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  2. Shape the cheese log: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape into a log about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Prepare the phyllo strips: Unroll thawed phyllo dough carefully. Using a sharp knife, cut the stack of sheets in half lengthwise, creating strips about 4 inches wide. Keep unused strips covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
  5. Wrap the mummy: Take one phyllo strip and brush lightly with olive oil. Wrap it around the chilled cheese log, slightly overlapping as you go. Don’t wrap too tightly. Continue with more strips, brushing each with oil, until the entire log is covered (3-4 layers). Leave a small gap at one end for the face.
  6. Bake the mummy: Place the wrapped log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
  7. Add the eyes and serve: Gently press candy eyes into the exposed end of the log. Arrange crackers around the mummy on a serving platter. Slice and serve.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling. Chill the cheese log for at least 30 minutes before wrapping to prevent the phyllo from tearing. If phyllo cracks, overlap pieces and continue—the mummy look benefits from imperfections. For extra crispiness, brush a final thin layer of olive oil over the entire surface before baking. The mummy can be assembled and baked ahead, then reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween appetizer, mummy cheese ball, phyllo cheese ball, lighter cheese ball, party snack, spooky snack, cream cheese appetizer