Description
This classic cheese ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh bell pepper, scallions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder, it’s rolled in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. Serve it chilled with crackers, fresh vegetables, or chips for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball
- 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 the softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar, minced green bell pepper, minced scallions, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mash the ingredients together thoroughly using a large fork until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Prepare Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans evenly onto a clean surface or cutting board. This will be used to coat the cheese balls for added texture and flavor.
- Form Cheese Balls: Divide the cheese mixture roughly into two equal halves. Using a large spatula or clean hands, scoop one half of the mixture and shape it into a ball.
- Coat with Pecans: Place the cheese ball onto the bed of chopped pecans. Using your hands or plastic wrap, gently roll the ball around in the pecans, pressing lightly to ensure it is completely coated. Repeat this process with the second half of the cheese mixture to form another cheese ball.
- Serve or Refrigerate: You can serve the cheese balls immediately alongside crackers, fresh vegetables, or chips. Alternatively, wrap each cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cheese ball to chill for at least an hour before serving.
- You can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- The cheese ball can be shaped into one large ball or multiple smaller ones depending on your preference and serving size.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Adjust Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice to taste for desired tanginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese ball, appetizer, party snack, cream cheese appetizer, pecan cheese ball, no cook appetizer
