Description
This classic cheese ball recipe combines creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar with fresh bell pepper and scallions, enhanced with lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Rolled in crunchy chopped pecans, it makes a perfect retro-inspired appetizer to serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
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
For Serving
- Crackers
- Fresh vegetables such as celery sticks or radishes
- Chips
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar, minced green bell pepper, minced scallions, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mash and mix all ingredients thoroughly using a large fork until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Set up pecan coating: Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a clean flat surface or cutting board to prepare for rolling the cheese balls.
- Form and coat the cheese balls: Divide the cheese mixture roughly in half. Using a spatula or your clean hands, scoop one half of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Place the cheese ball onto the pecan layer and gently roll it around using your hands or plastic wrap to evenly coat with pecans. Repeat the process with the second half of the mixture to form and coat the second cheese ball.
- Chill or serve: You can serve the cheese balls immediately with crackers, chips, and fresh vegetables, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week to let the flavors meld before serving.
- Enjoy and share feedback: Serve as a delicious appetizer and invite guests to enjoy. Consider leaving a rating or review if you loved the recipe!
Notes
- This super easy cheese ball provides a nostalgic, retro appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Rolling the cheese ball in toasted pecans adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- Serve with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetable sticks like celery and radishes for an inviting spread.
- Cheese balls can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, allowing flavors to develop further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/24th of total cheese balls)
- 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
