Best Cheese Ball Recipe (Pecan Crusted)
Six simple ingredients are all you need to make the best cheese ball crusted in pecans! Even better, it takes just minutes to make. It's the perfect make-ahead appetizer. Holiday gatherings, parties, game day events, etc!
Servings: 10
Calories: 168kcal
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese , softened
- 4 oz pastrami , thin sliced
- 3 green onions , finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup pecans diced small
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and stir or beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the diced pastrami, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix well with a spatula. (You don't want to use the mixer for this part, it might break down the meat and onions too much.)
- Use the spatula to form the mixture into a ball in the bowl as best as you can. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap, place the chopped pecans in the middle and gently move the cheese ball onto the pecans.
- Gently use the plastic wrap to press the pecans into the cheese ball and help form a more rounded ball shape. Wrap the cheese ball tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or pretzel crisps.
Notes
Storing - The cheese ball should last wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. (Although the pecans will soften.) This depends on the freshness of your ingredients. If you just purchased them it should be ok. Check the expiration dates.
To Make Ahead - Make the cheese ball without rolling in the pecans. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. About one hour before serving, roll it in the chopped pecans, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Freeze - Wrap tightly without nuts, and place in a resealable freezer bag. Remove it from the freezer the morning or the night before you want to serve, and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.
Nutrition
Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 107mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 4.8mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 0.6mg