Creamy Cheese Ball with Pecans
A rich and creamy cheese ball coated with toasted pecans, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. This easy-to-make snack combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of seasoning for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) pecans, chopped and toasted
- Optional: 1 teaspoon finely diced jalapeño
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped chives
Instructions
- Soften your cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a spatula until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in chopped parsley and optional jalapeño or cranberries if using.
- Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a compact ball about 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Place chopped toasted pecans on a plate. Roll the chilled cheese ball in pecans, pressing gently so nuts stick all over the surface.
- Wrap the pecan-coated ball again and chill for another 30 minutes before serving to help flavors meld and texture set.
- Unwrap and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.
Notes
If you don’t have a mixer, use a sturdy fork but mixing will take longer. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Chill the cheese ball well for best texture and flavor. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimal taste. Variations include adding jalapeño for heat or dried cranberries for sweetness. For nut-free option, substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or crushed pretzels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: cheese ball, pecans, creamy cheese ball, appetizer, snack, party food, easy cheese ball, holiday appetizer