Description

Have you ever wondered if a cheese platter could be the star of your Halloween bash? Picture a towering stack of cheese carved to look like a giant piece of candy corn, with vibrant yellow, orange, and white layers that scream spooky season. Sounds like a treat that’s both fun and delicious, right? This Candy Corn Cheese Tower is super easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and perfect for wowing your guests with its festive look and creamy goodness

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a festive, flavorful appetizer. Here’s what you’ll need, why each one matters, and some substitutions:

Yellow Cheddar (four 8-ounce rectangular blocks): Forms the yellow base of the candy corn, providing a sharp, tangy flavor and firm texture for carving.
- Substitution: Use Colby or a vegan cheddar for a dairy-free option.
White Cheddar (four 8-ounce rectangular blocks): Creates the orange middle layer (after paprika brushing), adding a milder, creamy taste.
- Substitution: Use Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a vegan white cheese.
Goat Cheese (1 pound): Shapes the white tip of the candy corn, offering a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Substitution: Use cream cheese or a vegan soft cheese for a similar texture.
Red Wine (2 tablespoons): Mixed with paprika to create the orange color for the white cheddar.
- Substitution: Use grape juice or pomegranate juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds the orange hue and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Substitution: Use turmeric for a yellower tint or chili powder for a spicier kick.
Crackers (for serving): The perfect vehicle for enjoying the cheese tower.
- Substitution: Use sliced veggies (carrots, cucumbers), pita chips, or gluten-free crackers.

Why These Ingredients Matter

The cheeses provide protein, calcium, and healthy fats, making this a satisfying appetizer. The paprika and red wine create a natural, vibrant color without artificial dyes, and the crackers add crunch. These ingredients are widely available, budget-friendly, and easy to swap for dietary needs, making the recipe versatile and accessible. Plus, the cheese scraps can be saved for other dishes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

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Instructions

Step 1: Arrange the Yellow Cheddar Base

Place 2 blocks of yellow cheddar side by side on a cheese board or large platter, pressing them together so they touch.
Stack the remaining 2 blocks of yellow cheddar on top, aligning them to form a solid base.

Tip: Use room-temperature cheese for easier stacking and carving.

Step 2: Add the White Cheddar Layer

Place 2 blocks of white cheddar on top of the yellow cheddar, pressing them together.
Stack the remaining 2 blocks of white cheddar on top, ensuring the stack is stable.
If desired, insert 2 skewers vertically through the top of the cheese blocks to hold them together while carving.

Tip: Choose rectangular blocks of similar size for a neat, even tower.

Step 3: Carve the Candy Corn Shape

Using a sharp knife, carve away the sides of the cheese stack to resemble the bottom two-thirds of a candy corn piece (wide at the bottom, tapering upward).
Save the cheese scraps in an airtight container for other recipes, like queso or grilled cheese.

Tip: Carve slowly and evenly to maintain the candy corn shape—use a ruler for guidance if needed.

Step 4: Remove Skewers

If you used skewers, carefully remove them after carving to keep the tower stable.

Tip: Wiggle the skewers gently to avoid disturbing the cheese layers.

Step 5: Shape the Goat Cheese Tip

Using your hands, mold the 1-pound block of goat cheese into the pointed tip of the candy corn.
Place it on top of the carved cheese stack.
Use a butter knife or offset spatula to smooth and shape the goat cheese into a sharp point.

Tip: If the goat cheese is too soft, chill it for 10 minutes to make shaping easier.

Step 6: Add the Orange Color

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons red wine and 1 tablespoon paprika until smooth.
Use a pastry brush to paint the mixture onto the white cheddar portion of the tower, creating the orange middle layer of the candy corn.

Tip: Apply the paprika mixture in thin layers for an even, vibrant color.

Step 7: Serve

Place the cheese tower on a festive cheese board or platter.
Surround with an array of crackers for serving.

Tip: Use a variety of cracker shapes and colors to make the platter pop!