Description

This Classic Cheese Ball with a Twist is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. Combining softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and a blend of spices, this cheese ball is enhanced with green onions and optional mix-ins like bacon or pickled jalapeños for added depth and heat. Coated in crunchy toasted pecans, it offers a delightful texture contrast. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, serve it with crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

32 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Add-ins

1/2 cup green onions, finely diced
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon or 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños

Coating

2 cups pecan pieces, toasted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Blend all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Fold in flavor: Add the finely diced green onions into the cheese mixture. If you choose to include optional mix-ins like chopped cooked bacon or diced pickled jalapeños, fold them in now. Mix gently but evenly to distribute all the flavors throughout the mixture.
Shape: Divide the cheese mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a ball. Wrap each cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing them to firm up and hold their shape.
Coat: After chilling, remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball in the toasted pecan pieces, pressing gently to ensure the pecans stick evenly around the surface, adding a crunchy texture.
Serve: Before serving, let the cheese balls sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for optimal flavor and spreadability. Serve with a selection of crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delicious appetizer.

Notes

Softening cream cheese properly at room temperature makes mixing easier.
To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and lightly browned.
Adjust the optional bacon or jalapeño quantities to suit your taste and spice preference.
Cheese balls can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated; just re-roll in pecans before serving if necessary.
For a nut-free option, coat the cheese balls with finely chopped herbs or crushed crackers.