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Closeup of the cheese ball with pecan coating, surrounded by toasted bread slices
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Cheese Ball Recipe

This cheese ball is made with cream cheese mixed with savory seasonings and rolled in toasted pecans, takes all of 10 minutes to make!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cool Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 309kcal
Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot 1 small shallot
  • ½ cup small diced green bell pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 green onions minced
  • 2 teaspoons sherry
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup toasted pecans finely chopped

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese and cheddar until homogeneous and mostly smooth.
  • Add in the shallot, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, sherry, and paprika. Stir together until evenly mixed.
  • Lay 2 sheets of plastic wrap onto the counter in the shape of a plus sign. Scoop the cheese mixture into the center and gather the sides of the plastic wrap to encase the cheese and twist at the top of the cheese. Shape into a ball and place into a bowl with a rounded bottom and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours up to 24 hours.
  • When ready to serve, place the pecans in a round cake pan. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it, and carefully roll it into the pecans covering the entire surface. Press them gently so they adhere to the cheese ball.
  • Place in a serving bowl or plate and serve with buttery crackers, raw vegetables, or toasted baguette slices.

Notes

Storing this Cheese Ball

  • Fridge: Keep the cheese ball wrapped tight in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay good for 3 to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Y'all can freeze it before rolling in nuts. Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and it’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Room Temp: It can sit out for about 2 hours, which is plenty for most parties, but after that it needs to go back in the fridge so it doesn’t lose its texture (not that it usually lasts that long anyway).

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 829IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 1mg