Pimento Cheese Ball

Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that takes almost zero cooking skills but delivers maximum flavor impact!

This Pimento Cheese Ball is what happens when Southern comfort food gets dressed up for a party – creamy, cheesy, and completely addictive.

The magic of this cheese ball is in its perfect balance of sharp cheddar tang, sweet pimento peppers, and creamy richness that melts in your mouth.

Encased in a crunchy pecan coating, it creates that irresistible textural contrast that’ll have everyone hovering around the appetizer table.

Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch – this disappears faster than you can say “pass the crackers!”

Ingredients

• 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 6 ounces diced pimento peppers, drained (about 1/3 cup)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup drained diced pimentos, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until thoroughly combined and no cream cheese streaks remain. For the smoothest texture, use a stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium-low speed for 2-3 minutes, or mix by hand with a sturdy spatula for 4-5 minutes.
2. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the cheese mixture to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but ideally for 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up enough to shape.
3. While the cheese mixture is chilling, toast the 1 cup of chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly darkened. Be careful not to burn them – they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely before using.
4. Once chilled, remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. With clean, slightly dampened hands (this prevents sticking), scoop out the mixture and form it into a ball shape. If the mixture is too soft to hold its shape, return it to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes.
5. Spread the toasted pecans on a large plate or shallow bowl. Gently roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere to the surface. Cover all sides evenly for the best presentation and texture contrast.
6. Wrap the finished cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows it to firm up completely and for the flavors to continue developing. For best flavor, remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Smart Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise (1:1 ratio) for a tangier flavor with less fat
• Substitute almonds or walnuts for pecans if you prefer or have nut allergies
• Try smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon) instead of cayenne for smoky flavor without the heat
• Use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese to reduce calories by about 1/3

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use light cream cheese to reduce fat and calories by approximately 30%
• Reduce the amount of cheese to 1 1/2 cups and increase seasonings slightly to maintain flavor intensity
• Serve with cucumber rounds or bell pepper slices instead of crackers to reduce carbs
• Portion control is key – pre-slice the cheese ball into 2 tablespoon servings (approximately 5g carbs per serving)

Pro Tips

• For the most flavor, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents that affect texture)
• For a beautiful presentation, form the ball, then flatten slightly into a dome shape which sits more elegantly on a serving plate
• Make up to 3 days in advance for best flavor development
• For a party shortcut, make mini cheese balls (2 tablespoon portions) rolled in pecans for individual servings