This flavorful cheeseball combines the perfect balance of creamy cheese, a sweet and spicy kick from pepper jelly, and a crunchy pecan coating. It’s the ideal appetizer for any gathering festive, fun, and ridiculously easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ⅓ cup sweet and spicy pepper jelly
- ½ cup chopped pecans (for coating)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, breadsticks, or veggies (for serving)
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. - Form the Cheeseball:
Shape the mixture into a ball or log, as desired. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up. - Coat with Pecans:
After chilling, unwrap the cheeseball and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere evenly around the ball. - Assemble and Garnish:
Place the cheeseball on a serving plate. Spoon the sweet and spicy pepper jelly over the top, letting it drip slightly down the sides. Garnish with finely chopped green onions, if desired. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy this irresistible combination of creamy, sweet, spicy, and crunchy flavors!
Variations
- Go Nut-Free:
Skip the pecan coating and roll the cheeseball in crushed pretzels, crispy fried onions, or everything bagel seasoning for a crunchy, nut-free alternative that still brings texture and flavor. - Make it Mini:
Instead of one large cheeseball, shape the mixture into smaller individual balls or bite-sized truffles. Perfect for parties where guests want individual servings, and they’re easier to grab and go. - Play with Cheese Flavors:
Swap out sharp cheddar for pepper jack for extra spice, or try a smoked gouda for a deeper, more savory profile. Mixing in a little blue cheese or goat cheese can also add tang and complexity.
Cooking Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Cold cheese won’t blend smoothly and can result in a lumpy texture, making it harder to shape. - Chill Time Matters:
Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps firm the cheeseball and allows the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if prepping in advance. - Sticky Jelly? Warm It Slightly:
If your pepper jelly is thick or hard to spoon, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to loosen it up. This makes it easier to drizzle over the cheeseball and helps it coat the surface nicely.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Crunchy Variety:
Serve with a mix of crackers, crostini, pretzel chips, and even bagel chips to offer different textures. This gives your guests more fun ways to scoop and savor. - Add Fresh Veggies:
Balance out the richness with fresh veggie sticks like celery, carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. It lightens the dish and adds color to your platter. - Serve It as a Centerpiece:
Place the cheeseball in the center of a large board or platter and surround it with accompaniments—nuts, dried fruits, meats, and assorted breads—to create a festive grazing board.
Tips
- Make Ahead for Less Stress:
This cheeseball can be made 1–2 days in advance. Just wait to add the jelly and green onions until shortly before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. - Double (or Halve) the Recipe Easily:
Hosting a big crowd? Double the recipe and shape into two balls for easier serving. Need a smaller batch? Halve the ingredients without any issues—the texture and flavor will still be perfect. - Store Leftovers Properly:
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. You can also reuse leftovers as a spread on bagels or sandwiches for a next-day treat.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients or serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheeseball ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cheeseball up to 2–3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Wait to add the jelly and garnish until just before serving to keep everything fresh. - What can I use instead of pepper jelly?
If you prefer a milder flavor, try using apricot preserves, red pepper jelly, or fig jam. For a tangy option, cranberry sauce or onion chutney can also work beautifully, especially around the holidays. - How long can it sit out at a party?
Generally, it’s safe to leave the cheeseball out for 2 hours at room temperature. After that, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers promptly. If serving outdoors in warmer weather, try to keep it chilled using an ice pack or platter over ice. - Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the pecan coating or replace it with crushed pretzels, toasted breadcrumbs, or sunflower seeds for crunch without the allergens.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheeseball is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion from holiday gatherings to casual game nights. It’s creamy, flavorful, a little spicy, and packed with texture from the crunchy pecan coating and sweet jelly topping. Best of all? It’s easy to prep ahead and totally customizable to fit your tastes. Serve it up with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheeseball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cheeseball (about 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful cheeseball combines the perfect balance of creamy cheese, a sweet and spicy kick from pepper jelly, and a crunchy pecan coating. It’s the ideal appetizer for any gathering festive, fun, and ridiculously easy to make!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ⅓ cup sweet and spicy pepper jelly
- ½ cup chopped pecans (for coating)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, breadsticks, or veggies (for serving)
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. - Form the Cheeseball:
Shape the mixture into a ball or log, as desired. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up. - Coat with Pecans:
After chilling, unwrap the cheeseball and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere evenly around the ball. - Assemble and Garnish:
Place the cheeseball on a serving plate. Spoon the sweet and spicy pepper jelly over the top, letting it drip slightly down the sides. Garnish with finely chopped green onions, if desired. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy this irresistible combination of creamy, sweet, spicy, and crunchy flavors!
Notes
- You can make the cheeseball up to 2 days ahead—just wait to add the pepper jelly until right before serving.
- Not a fan of spice? Use a mild pepper jelly or swap it for apricot or red pepper jelly instead.
- Want extra crunch? Mix in a few chopped pecans directly into the cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1/8 of cheeseball
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheeseball, pepper jelly appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy cheeseball, make-ahead