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Messy Cheese Ball

This cheese ball is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a creamy, tangy cheese mixture coated in toasted nuts. It’s shaped into a rustic sphere with a gooey interior and crumbly exterior, perfect for spreading or scooping at casual gatherings. Its unpolished charm sparks joy and spontaneity around the table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack for spice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs parsley and chives
  • ½ cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce or Worcestershire adds depth
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Skillet
  • Plastic wrap
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Gather your softened cream cheese and shredded cheese in a large bowl, and mix them together thoroughly until smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
  2. Add the chopped fresh herbs to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly distributed, giving it a vibrant, colorful look.
  3. Season the mixture with a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir again to incorporate all the flavors.
  4. Scoop out the cheese mixture and shape it into a rustic ball using your hands. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—its charm is part of the fun.
  5. Spread the chopped nuts on a plate, then gently roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing slightly to help them adhere evenly. Toast the nuts beforehand for extra flavor and crunch.
  6. Wrap the coated cheese ball loosely in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it firm up and the flavors meld.
  7. Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes—this softens it slightly and makes it easier to serve.
  8. Place the cheese ball on a platter and surround it with crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks for dipping. Garnish with extra herbs or nuts if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the nuts until fragrant and golden before coating. Chill the cheese ball for at least an hour for best texture. Feel free to customize with different herbs or nuts for variety.