Liven up your holiday party with a homemade Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball. A delicious appetizer that’s easy to make, your guests will love it.
Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball
Once in a while, a memory will hit my brain that takes me right back to being a kid. One such memory, in particular, is the fact that we thought we were super fancy when a cheese ball would appear with a plate of crackers. Usually, that meant someone special was visiting, because it wasn’t every day that a cheese ball would make an appearance.
In my house growing up not much was homemade, so that meant that the cheese ball being described was store-bought. You know the ones, they have large chunks of nuts and brightly colored cheese which made it seem extra special. Back then we’d smear it onto Triscuits and think we were downright fancy.
Today though, we’re making our own Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball, just in time for the holiday season. You can easily make this cheese ball ahead of time so you aren’t rushing around when your guests arrive.
There’s nothing complicated about this recipe, so don’t fear that it’s too difficult to make. In fact, I think you’ll be finding all sorts of occasions that are worthy of a homemade cheese ball or two.
Be sure to try our Pecan Pie Tarts too! Great for the holidays!
What ingredients go into making this cheese ball?
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Lemon juice
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and paprika
- Pecans
Some tips that will help you make this recipe:
- You can use whatever type of cream cheese you desire, just make sure its thoroughly softened.
- Make earlier in the day and keep refrigerated until 15 minutes prior to serving.
- My preference is to use a finely shredded sharp cheddar.
- I like the pecans finely chopped, I use a food processor and pulse until I get the desired texture.
- Want this cheese ball a bit spicier? Taste the cheese mixture prior to “balling up” and add a splash of Sriracha for spice.
Easy step by step instructions:
In a mixing bowl combine together: cheeses, lemon juice, garlic and onion powders, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Add in 1/4 cup of the chopped pecans, mix again.
Dump mixture onto plastic wrap.
Ball it within the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a small bowl combine together remaining pecans, chili powder, and paprika. Place chilled and unwrapped cheeseball into spiced pecans and coat outside.
Other great party food ideas to try:
Cocktails that would pair nicely with this appetizer:
- Cranberry Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail
- Amaretto Apple Cider Cocktail
- Eggnog White Russian
- Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail
Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball
Liven up your holiday party with a homemade Pecan Crusted Cheese Ball. A delicious appetizer that's easy to make, all will love it.
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, mix together your cream cheese, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, garlic and onion powder, and red pepper. Mix well.
- Add in 1/4 cup chopped pecans. Mix well.
- On a flat surface, place a piece of Saran Wrap. Take your cheese mixture and place it in the middle of the wrap. Take the sides and bring them together and twist the top two closed, completely covering the cheese.
- Roll into a ball and transfer to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix together chili powder and paprika and remaining nuts.
- Once the cheese ball has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Coat the cheese ball with your remaining pecans.
Notes
- Serve with a side of veggies, or crackers.
