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Best Game Day Football Cheese Ball Recipe

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This warm, baked cheese ball is the ultimate game day appetizer. Creamy, tangy, and a little spicy, it’s made with simple ingredients and disappears in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet or dish with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, green onions, pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, and black pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  4. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist at the top, shaping the mixture into a tight ball about the size of a softball. Twist the plastic wrap closed and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  5. While the cheese ball chills, place the chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Optionally, toast them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then let cool completely.
  6. Remove the chilled cheese ball from the plastic wrap. Roll it gently in the chopped pecans, pressing lightly so the nuts stick to the outside.
  7. Place the coated cheese ball on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and the outside is just starting to turn golden. It should be puffed slightly and jiggly in the center.
  8. Let the cheese ball rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies.

Notes

Don’t overbake; 12-15 minutes is the sweet spot. Chilling the shaped cheese ball for 15 minutes is non-negotiable to prevent flattening. For slicing, use a hot knife. Can be made ahead up to 2 days in advance (up to coating step).

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, game day, football, appetizer, baked cheese ball, cream cheese, cheddar, pecans, ranch, jalapeño

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/best-game-day-football-cheese-ball-recipe/