In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, and hot sauce if using. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese mixture is smooth and uniform in color, with no lumps remaining.
Shape the cheese mixture into a tight, round ball using your hands or a spatula, making sure it holds together well.
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and place it on a serving platter. Unwrap the plastic, revealing a firm, smooth sphere ready for decoration.
Arrange pretzel sticks or pretzels around the cheese ball, securing them into the surface to look like spider legs.
Adjust the placement of pretzels to evenly distribute them around the sphere, ensuring a balanced spider shape.
Optionally, add small crackers or more pretzels around the base for extra decoration and serving options.
Once decorated, serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to present to keep the cheese firm and fresh.
