Description
This Halloween Brain Dip Appetizer is a spooky and delicious party treat that combines creamy cheeses with a sweet and tangy red pepper jelly topping, shaped in a brain mold for a striking presentation that’s perfect for Halloween gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz. Boursin cheese
- 12 oz. cream cheese
Topping
- 12 oz. red pepper jelly
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin jelly)
Instructions
- Blend the Cheeses: In a mixer, blend together the cream cheese and Boursin cheese until smooth. Optionally, you can add additional spices or herbs to enhance the flavor according to your taste.
- Fill the Brain Mold: Scoop the cheese mixture into your brain-shaped mold. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly over the cheese, ensuring it touches the surface. It’s okay if the mold is not completely full, as it will still set nicely.
- Chill to Set: Place the mold in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 2 hours, to allow the cheese mixture to firm up properly.
- Unmold the Brain: On the morning of your party, remove the mold from the fridge and carefully peel off the plastic wrap. Turn the mold upside down onto your serving platter. Wait at least 10 minutes before gently lifting the mold off. If using a silicone mold, the cheese brain should release easily.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the cheese brain to thaw at room temperature for a few hours to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.
- Prepare the Jelly Topping: In a small bowl, combine about 6 oz. of red pepper jelly with 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin it just enough so it can drip attractively over the cheese brain. Be careful not to add too much water.
- Decorate and Serve: Pour the thinned red pepper jelly over the brain to create a dripping effect. Just before serving, insert a knife in the center of the brain to ease slicing. Serve with crackers and enjoy your spooky appetizer!
Notes
- Use a silicone brain mold for easier unmolding of the cheese dip.
- You can customize the cheese blend by adding herbs, garlic, or spices to suit your taste.
- Thinning the red pepper jelly with water helps it drip nicely over the brain without being too runny.
- Allow the brain dip to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of brain dip
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
