Death Star Cheese Ball for Star Wars Day
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Hungry, Are You?
May 4th is officially Star Wars Day, which means this week we will be eating our way through galaxies far, far away. First up, the delicious Death Star cheese ball.
I was initially inspired to make this recipe after seeing Delish’s version on Facebook. But I wanted to take the Star Wars inspiration one step further. For this recipe, I filmed the entire video on a green screen, just like the movies, to give that ‘floating in outer space’ feel. I love a good challenge!
This giant cheese ball can feed an entire clone army and is the perfect pairing for a Star Wars party re-watch-a-thon. You can, of course, halve the recipe for a much smaller portion.
What Imperial Army wouldn’t be complete without some cheesy TIE fighters?!
Let the Force guide you through making this Death Star – and then destroy it with your mouth and free the Resistance.
Here’s What You Need
- whole milk plain Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- shredded Mexican cheese: Provides a melty, cheesy goodness.
- chopped chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- garlic powder: Infuses a rich, savory depth.
- onion powder: Contributes a subtle, sweet onion taste.
- chili powder: Gives a hint of spice and warmth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami kick.
- cream cheese: Binds the ingredients together and makes the mixture smooth.
- fresh mozzarella: Used for decoration, mimics the Death Star’s laser.
- olive (optional): Keeps the mozzarella center from shrinking.
- salami: Adds a salty, savory element and creates paneling.
- large pepperoni: Adds a spicy, meaty texture and detail.
- prosciutto: Adds a delicate, salty flavor and forms the center ribbon.
Cook, Let Us
First, grab a large bowl and stir together your yogurt, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and 8 oz of cream cheese. Once that’s all mixed, add in your shredded Mexican cheese. This will be the base of your Death Star.
Freeze the Cheese Ball
Get two 6″ round ball tins and line them with plastic wrap. Fill each half with your cheese mixture until they’re full. Cover them with plastic wrap and freeze solid. Seriously, freezing is crucial here!
Prep the Decorations
While your cheese ball is freezing, cut your salami and pepperoni into squares and rectangles. Slice the mozzarella into pieces about 2″ wide and 1/4″ thick, then cut a hole in the center (use an olive if you want to keep the center from shrinking). Cut the prosciutto into ribbons. Keep everything chilled until your cheese ball is ready.
Assemble the Death Star
Take one half of your frozen cheese ball out and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top. Place the other half on top to make a full sphere. Use a spoon to make a divot on the side for the Death Star’s laser. Smooth the cheese ball with your hands and press in the divot. Pop it onto your serving dish and chill for at least an hour.
Add the Final Touches
About an hour before serving, uncover your cheese ball to let it start thawing. Spread the remaining cream cheese all over the outside. Wrap the prosciutto ribbons around the center. Press the mozzarella into the divot to make the laser. Use the pepperoni and salami squares to create the Death Star’s paneling. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to serve.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Death Star Cheese Ball
- Freezing is key: Make sure to freeze the cheese ball solid. This ensures it holds its shape and makes assembly easier.
- Plastic wrap trick: Line the ball tins with plastic wrap. This makes removing the frozen cheese ball halves simple and mess-free.
- Keep ingredients cold: Chill the salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and prosciutto until the cheese ball is frozen. Cold ingredients are easier to handle and cut.
- Layer cream cheese sparingly: When assembling the halves, use just enough cream cheese to act as glue. Too much can make the ball too soft.
- Smooth the ball carefully: Use your hands to smooth the surface and create the divot. A little patience here pays off in the final presentation.
- Thawing time matters: Uncover the cheese ball about an hour before serving to make slicing easier and improve texture.
- Creative paneling: Feel free to get creative with the salami and pepperoni paneling. It’s your Death Star, so have fun with it!
Wrapping up your epic Star Wars celebration with the Death Star cheese ball is a must for any true fan. This snack isn’t just visually striking; it’s also packed with cheesy goodness that’ll satisfy a whole clone army.
Whether you’re hosting a Star Wars marathon or just want to impress with a themed dish, this recipe brings a fun and tasty element to the table. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for any gathering. There are even more Star Wars recipes on the horizon, so hold on to your lightsabers!
May the Force be with you, Hungry People!
Death Star Cheese Ball | Star Wars Inspired Recipes
Ingredients
- 32 oz whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cups Mexican cheese shredded
- ¼ cup chives chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1 olive optional
- 4 slices salami
- 4 slices large pepperoni
- 4 slices prosciutto
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and 8 oz cream cheese along with 4 cups of shredded cheese.
- Use two 6" round ball tins. Line the tins with plastic wrap and then fill each half until full. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze solid. The freezing is the most important step!
- Cut the salami and pepperoni into squares and rectangles. Cut slices of mozzarella about 2" wide and 1/4" thick and cut out a hole in the center (optional: use an olive to keep the center from shrinking). Cut the prosciutto into ribbons. Chill until the cheese has frozen.
- Remove one half of the frozen cheese ball and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the top. Flip the other half of the cheese ball on top. Use a spoon to make a divot in the side of the cheese ball – about where the Death Star's laser beam would be. Cover tightly and smooth the ball with your hands, pressing in the divot. Place on the serving dish. Chill for at least an hour.
- Uncover the cheese ball about an hour prior to serving to hasten the thawing. Generously spread the remaining cream cheese on the outside of the cheese ball and then use the prosciutto ribbons around the center of the cheese ball.
- Press the mozzarella into the divot. Then use the squares of pepperoni and salami to make the 'paneling' on the Death Star. Wrap with plastic wrap until ready to serve. Enjoy with chips, crackers, or TIE fighter chips! May the Force be with you.
