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Easy Football-Shaped Cheese Ball with Pretzel Laces

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This football-shaped cheese ball with pretzel laces is the ultimate game day appetizer. Creamy, savory, and fun to make, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 10–12 pretzel sticks
  • For serving: crackers, pretzel chips, celery sticks

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge at least 30 minutes before starting. If in a hurry, cut into cubes and microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  2. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  3. Add the flavor: Add shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix on low speed until combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Taste and adjust: Taste the cheese mixture and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Shape the football: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on counter. Scoop cheese mixture onto center of wrap. Use lightly oiled or damp hands to form into a rough football shape with slightly pointed ends.
  6. Wrap and refine: Pull plastic wrap up around cheese ball and shape through the wrap using palms to smooth sides and fingers to define pointed ends. Twist ends of wrap to secure shape.
  7. Chill thoroughly: Place wrapped cheese ball on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Add the laces: When ready to serve, unwrap chilled cheese ball and place on serving platter. Arrange pretzel sticks on top to look like football laces—5-6 sticks parallel down center, with shorter pieces for cross laces. Press in gently.
  9. Serve immediately or refrigerate: Serve right away or keep in fridge for up to 1 hour before serving. Do not leave out longer than 2 hours at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time—it’s essential for the cheese ball to hold its shape. Add pretzel laces at the last minute to keep them crunchy. Shred your own cheese for the smoothest texture. For a spicy version, add pickled jalapeños and cayenne. For a bacon ranch version, add crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning. Can be made up to 2 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, football shaped, game day appetizer, Super Bowl snack, easy appetizer, party food, pretzel laces

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-football-shaped-cheese-ball-with-pretzel-laces/