Get ready to be the MVP of your next party with this show-stopping Football Shaped Cheese Ball that's guaranteed to have your guests cheering! Imagine a creamy, flavor-packed cheese ball crafted into the perfect football shape, studded with pecans and bursting with savory seasonings that'll make your game day spread absolutely legendary. Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party, tailgate, or just craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is your game-winning play that combines delicious taste with Instagram-worthy presentation.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 package of crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften completely.
- Add softened cream cheese to the bowl and mix with shredded cheddar cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce into the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Fold in sliced black olives and diced red bell peppers, stirring gently to distribute throughout the mixture.
- Line a work surface with plastic wrap and spread chopped pecans in a thin layer to prepare for coating.
- Transfer cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and shape into an oval football-like form using your hands, ensuring smooth surfaces.
- Carefully roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans, pressing gently to help nuts adhere to the exterior, completely covering the surface.
- Use additional pecans to create football lace details by carefully placing them in a decorative pattern on top of the cheese ball.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and mixture to firm up.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes prior to allow slight softening. Arrange on a serving platter with crackers surrounding the cheese ball.
Tips
- Allow cream cheese to soften completely at room temperature for the smoothest, most spreadable texture.
- Use an electric mixer to ensure your cheese mixture is ultra-smooth and free of lumps.
- When shaping the football, work slowly and use plastic wrap to help create a clean, smooth surface.
- For the most precise football lace detail, use whole pecans and place them carefully to mimic football stitching.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least an hour to help it firm up and make it easier to slice and serve.
- Take the cheese ball out 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and become more spreadable.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, including some football-shaped ones if you can find them for extra theme coordination!
- For a make-ahead option, you can prepare this cheese ball up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
