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Messy Nostalgic Cheese Ball

This cheese ball is a fun, imperfect centerpiece made from a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs. It's shaped into a rustic ball and coated with crunchy nuts or pretzels, resulting in a textured, cheesy exterior and a soft, tangy center perfect for sharing at gatherings. Its charmingly uneven appearance invites hands to dig right in and enjoy the messy, nostalgic magic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese preferably freshly shredded
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley adds brightness
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives for herbaceous aroma
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional, for umami
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels or toasted nuts for coating

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Plate or tray
  • Serving Platter
  • Knife or small spatula

Method
 

  1. Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl, and use a spatula to beat it until smooth and creamy, with a slight sheen and no lumps.
  2. Add the shredded cheese, chopped parsley, chives, and Worcestershire sauce to the cream cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined and fragrant, with a slightly sticky and cohesive texture.
  3. Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a rough ball, pressing gently to compact it. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
  4. While the cheese ball chills, crush pretzels or toast nuts until they resemble coarse crumbs. Spread the coating on a plate for easy rolling.
  5. Remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge. Gently roll it in the crushed pretzels or nuts, pressing lightly so the coating adheres evenly and covers all sides. Repeat if you want a thicker crust.
  6. Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional herbs or paprika on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes to settle and develop its inviting aroma.

Notes

Keep the cheese ball chilled until ready to serve. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing or digging in for optimal flavor and texture.