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Perfect Football Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe with Pretzel Laces for Game Day Snacks

football shaped cheese ball - featured image
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A creamy, tangy cheese ball shaped like a football and decorated with crunchy pretzel laces, perfect for game day gatherings. Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • About 12 pretzel sticks
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, like pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar using a hand mixer or spatula. Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Fold in the chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto it and shape into an oval football shape about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Break pretzel sticks into 2-3 inch pieces to create the football laces.
  7. Optional: Roll the chilled cheese ball in chopped nuts or additional parsley for extra texture.
  8. Arrange pretzel pieces across the top of the cheese ball to mimic football laces, pressing gently to stick without breaking the shape.
  9. Serve on a platter with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

Let the cream cheese soften fully for smooth mixing. Wet your hands or use plastic wrap to shape the cheese ball to prevent sticking. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight for best firmness. Add pretzel laces just before serving to keep them crisp. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels or veggie sticks as laces.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, football cheese ball, game day snacks, appetizer, party food, pretzel laces, easy cheese ball, creamy cheese ball

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/perfect-football-shaped-cheese-ball-recipe-with-pretzel-laces-for-game-day-snacks/