In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with a rubber spatula until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This creates the cheesy mixture base.
Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a round ball using your hands or a spatula. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to decorate and serve.
Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and carefully unwrap it. Place it on a serving platter. Smooth the surface if needed to ensure a neat round shape.
Slice the black olives into small rounds to create the spider's eyes and tiny legs. Use a few slices for eyes and thin strips or slices for the spider's legs.
Insert two olive slices into the top of the cheese ball to serve as eyes. Place the small olive circles close together for a cute, spooky face.
Arrange the pretzel rods around the cheese ball, pressing them lightly into the surface to resemble spider legs crawling outward from the body.
Gently press additional olive slices on the pretzel legs if you'd like to add more spider-like details or eyes.
Once decorated, place the assembled spider cheese ball on your serving platter. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Enjoy this fun, spooky appetizer with friends and family as part of your Halloween festivities.
