Halloween Charcuterie Board

Directions

1. For the pumpkin cheese ball, beat cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth. Stir in minced garlic and fresh herbs. Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, wrap it up, and roll into a ball.
2. Finely chop the shredded cheddar. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped cheddar to coat the outside.
3. Place the coated ball on fresh plastic wrap and wrap again. Use string or twine to tightly wrap around the center, twist, then wrap in another direction. Repeat until the shape resembles a pumpkin.
4. Chill the cheese ball until serving time. Cut and remove the strings. For a stem, insert the tip of a pretzel rod or a pretzel nugget. Optionally, use the dull side of a knife to create pumpkin grooves.
5. For the mummy baked brie, thaw frozen puff pastry at least 30 minutes before use. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out gently with a rolling pin.
6. Cut the pastry into thin strips. Wrap the brie wheel alternately, pressing the ends together underneath with a bit of water. Leave a slit for the eyes.
7. Place the wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water). Save remaining egg wash for sausages.
8. In the eye slit, use a sharp knife tip to cut tiny holes. Insert halved dried cherries or raisins into these holes.
9. Bake at 400°F until golden, about 20–25 minutes. Let cool 20–30 minutes before serving.
10. For mini mummy dogs, pat sausages dry with paper towel. Cut crescent dough into thin strips and wrap around each sausage, leaving a gap for eyes.
11. Arrange wrapped sausages on a baking sheet and brush with reserved egg wash.
12. Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until lightly browned. Using a toothpick dipped in mustard (or ketchup), add dot eyes in the gap.
13. Assemble the Halloween snack board: place large items first. Use bowls as placeholders if items are still baking or cooling.
14. Add crackers, chips, meats, fruits, and vegetables directly on the board or in small bowls. Fill any remaining small gaps with more fruit, candies, or Halloween decorations.