Pimento Cheese Ball

This Pimento Cheese Ball takes everything we love about classic Southern pimento cheese and turns it into an easy party appetizer. Sharp cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and a little mayo make it creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of tang. Roll it in crunchy pecans and set it out with crackers, and watch it disappear.

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Why You’ll Love This

We’re pretty serious about pimento cheese around here, and this creamy, tangy cheese ball has all those familiar flavors in an easy make-ahead appetizer. I love that you can put it together the day before, tuck it in the refrigerator, and forget about it until you’re ready to serve. The pecan coating adds just enough crunch without getting in the way of the pimento cheese.

It’s perfect for holidays, game days, parties, or anytime you need an appetizer that doesn’t require much fuss.

Looking for more easy appetizer recipes? Try our Jalapeno Chicken Meatballs, Velveeta Cheese Dip, Chip Dip Recipe, The Secrets To Amazing Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time, and Sausage Pretzel Bites.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese – Gives the cheese ball its creamy base and helps it hold its shape once chilled.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Use a good quality sharp cheddar and shred it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
• Mayonnaise – Loosens up the cream cheese and gives it that familiar pimento cheese creaminess.
• Diced pimentos – The star of pimento cheese. Drain them well and pat them dry so they don’t add excess moisture.
• Garlic powder – Adds a little savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
• Onion powder – Gives the cheese mixture another subtle layer of flavor.
• Black pepper – Adds a little bite and balances all that rich cheese.
• Pecans – A crunchy coating that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese filling. Toast them first for even more flavor.

Please see the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

How to Make a Pimento Cheese Ball

Step 1 – Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the mayonnaise, shredded sharp cheddar, drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 2 – Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center, then use the plastic wrap to shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better.

Step 3 – Spread the chopped pecans on a plate or shallow dish. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pecans, gently pressing them into the surface until completely coated. Serve with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Tips

• Drain those pimentos well – After draining, give them a quick pat with paper towels. Too much liquid can make the cheese ball softer than you want.
• Shred your own cheddar – Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that keeps it from sticking together in the bag, but it also keeps it from blending as smoothly into the cheese ball.
• Don’t be tempted to add salt without tasting it first. Between the sharp cheddar and the mayonnaise, there’s already plenty going on. Make it exactly as written, taste the mixture before chilling, and only add salt if it actually needs it.
• Give it time to chill – Two hours is the minimum, but making it the night before gives the flavors more time to come together and makes shaping and coating easier.
• Toast the pecans – It’s optional, but a few minutes in a dry skillet really brings out their flavor. Let them cool completely before coating the cheese ball.

Variations

• Add some heat – Mix in finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it smoky – Add a little smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
• Add bacon – Finely chopped cooked bacon can be mixed into the cheese ball or combined with the pecans for the coating.
• Change the coating – Try toasted walnuts, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or a combination of pecans and fresh herbs.
• Extra pimento – If you really love pimentos, reserve a tablespoon or two and mix them with the pecans for a little extra color on the outside.

What to Serve With Pimento Cheese Ball

We usually keep it simple with a good assortment of crackers, but this cheese ball also works well with toasted baguette slices, pretzel crisps, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices.

For a party spread, pair it with other easy appetizers like deviled eggs, sausage balls, seasoned crackers, or a tray of cured meats and pickles.

Make Ahead and Storage

• This is a great appetizer to make ahead. Prepare and shape the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.
• For the best texture, wait to roll it in the pecans until the day you plan to serve it. This keeps the nuts crunchy.
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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