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Cheese slices cut into Halloween shapes like ghosts, bats, and pumpkins on a wooden board with a cookie cutter.
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Cookie Cutter Cheese Shapes

Looking for a fun snack idea? Learn how to make playful cheese shapes using cookie cutters to bring creativity to your meals or party platters.
Course Appetizers, Snack
Cuisine Global
Diet Gluten Free
Keyword cheese shapes
Special Diet Carnivore Diet, Keto, Low Carb
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Author Tracy Ariza, DDS

Equipment

  • Cookie Cutters Small metal or plastic cookie cutters work best.
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife, dental floss, or cheese slicer To slice the cheese, if needed

Ingredients

  • 1 block Cheese Opt for firm cheeses

Instructions

  • If you're starting with a block of cheese, slice the cheese into slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  • Place the sliced cheese on a cutting board.
  • Press the cookie cutter firmly into the cheese, ensuring you push all the way through. Wiggle it slightly to make sure the cutter has gone through the entire slice, then lift the cutter.
  • Gently push the cheese shape out. If the shape doesn’t come out easily, use a butter knife or your fingers to help nudge the cheese out of the cutter.
  • After cutting out the shapes, trim the extra cheese from the edges.
  • Arrange the cheese shapes on a cheese board, salad, or snack plate.

Video

Notes

  • Use Firm Cheese: The firmer the cheese, the cleaner your cuts will be. Softer cheeses may crumble or deform when pressed.
  • Stick to Small Cutters: Small cookie cutters are easier to handle and produce shapes that are less likely to break. Larger cutters may create fragile cheese pieces that can crack.
  • Chill the Cheese: If your cheese is too soft and difficult to cut, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up. Chilled cheese is easier to work with and holds its shape better.
  • Grease the Cutter: If the cheese is sticking to the cutter, lightly coat the inside of the cutter with a bit of oil or melted fat.
  • Experiment with Different Cheeses: While firmer cheeses like cheddar or gouda work best, you can experiment with other types.
Crumbly or overly soft cheeses will not give you sharp, clean shapes.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate the shaped cheese in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Cheese shapes will stay fresh for up to around 5 days, depending on the cheese.
  • When stacking cheese shapes, use wax or parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.
  • Avoid freezing the shaped cheese, as the texture can change when thawed.

Serving Ideas

  • Cheese Boards: Arrange shaped cheeses alongside fruits, nuts, and cured meats for a beautiful cheese platter.
  • Salads: Add playful shapes to your salads.
  • Kids’ Snacks: Make lunchtime more exciting for kids by serving their favorite cheese in fun shapes like animals or letters.
  • Appetizers: Serve cheese shapes with crackers or bread for an eye-catching appetizer.