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