Description
This Classic Cheese Ball recipe is a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and sharp cheddar with fresh bell pepper, scallions, and zesty lemon juice. Rolled in crunchy chopped pecans, it pairs perfectly with crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or chips for a simple yet elegant starter or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 1 pound (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup minced green bell pepper
- 4 scallions, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Coating
- 1 cup chopped pecans, for rolling
To Serve
- Crackers
- Fresh vegetables such as celery sticks or radishes
- Chips
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese, minced green bell pepper, minced scallions, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mash everything together thoroughly using a large fork until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Prepare Nut Coating. Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a clean surface or cutting board to create a coating bed ready for rolling the cheese balls.
- Form Cheese Balls. Divide the cheese mixture roughly into two equal halves. Using a spatula or your hands, scoop out one half and shape it into a firm ball.
- Roll in Pecans. Place the shaped cheese ball onto the layer of chopped pecans. Gently roll and press the cheese ball in the pecans, ensuring it is coated evenly on all sides. Repeat this process with the second half of the cheese mixture to form another cheese ball covered in chopped pecans.
- Chill or Serve. The cheese balls can be served immediately or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Enjoy & Share. This classic and simple appetizer always impresses and makes a perfect addition to any gathering, party, or holiday spread.
Notes
- This cheese ball is a retro classic that’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only minutes with no cooking required.
- Rolling the cheese ball in pecans adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy cheese mixture.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like crackers, chips, celery sticks, or radishes for versatile snacking options.
- Keep the cheese balls tightly wrapped in the fridge to maintain freshness and shape for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/24th of cheese balls (approximate)
- Calories: 139 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 129 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
