A deliciously creamy and crunchy cheese ball with a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory depth. This Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a little kick with your cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet and spicy pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup diced hot peppers (such as jalapeños or serranos)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional pecans, for rolling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended and smooth.
- Add in the chopped pecans, sweet and spicy pepper jelly, diced hot peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap and roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Serve with crackers, fresh veggies, or slices of toasted baguette. Enjoy!
Variation
- Herbaceous Upgrade
Add finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the cheese mixture. This gives the ball a fresh, earthy aroma and balances the richness with a hint of garden brightness. - Extra Heat, Extra Sweet
Want to dial it up? Use hotter peppers like habaneros, or a habanero-based jelly. For added sweetness, stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to bring out the contrast between heat and sweet.
Cooking Notes
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing this ensures a smooth, lump-free texture that blends easily with the other ingredients and creates a creamy, spreadable consistency. - Chill for Structure
Refrigerating the cheese ball for at least two hours helps it firm up and hold its shape. If you’re prepping it ahead, overnight chilling works even better and enhances the flavor blend. - Toast the Pecans
Briefly toasting the pecans (5–7 minutes at 350°F) before using them adds a warm, nutty flavor and elevates the overall crunch. Let them cool before adding to avoid melting the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
1. Pair with a Variety of Crackers
Serve with a mix of buttery, seedy, and whole-grain crackers to offer different textures and flavors. Each type brings out a unique note in the cheese ball.
2. Add Fresh Veggies for Crunch
Slices of cucumber, bell pepper, or celery sticks make fresh, crisp vessels for spreading and add a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy cheese.
3. Make it the Star of a Cheese Board
Include the cheese ball on a larger charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, fruit (like grapes or apple slices), and honey. It turns this simple appetizer into a stunning centerpiece.
Tips
- Use Gloves for Handling Hot Peppers
Hot peppers like jalapeños or serranos can leave oils on your skin that irritate your eyes or face. Wearing gloves while chopping them helps prevent any accidental spicy surprises. - Customize the Heat Level
Adjust the amount or type of hot peppers depending on your crowd. Removing the seeds and membranes reduces heat, while keeping them in or using hotter varieties brings the fire. - Let It Sit Before Serving
Take the cheese ball out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. This makes it easier to spread and enhances the flavor, as cold mutes the spices and aromatics.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving — approx. 1/8 of cheese ball)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Add the pecan coating right before serving for the best texture. - What’s the best kind of pepper jelly to use?
A sweet and spicy pepper jelly made with red peppers or jalapeños works beautifully. Look for a high-quality brand or even consider using a homemade version. If you prefer a milder flavor, go with a sweet red pepper jelly; for more heat, try a jalapeño or habanero jelly. - Can I freeze this cheese ball?
You can freeze the cheese ball (without the pecan coating) for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll in fresh pecans before serving. - What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or even crushed pretzels or crispy fried onions make great alternatives for rolling. You could also skip the outer coating entirely for a smoother presentation, especially if serving with delicate crackers.
Conclusion
This Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. With creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, a touch of heat, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this bold and balanced bite is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously creamy and crunchy cheese ball with a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory depth. This Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a little kick with your cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet and spicy pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup diced hot peppers (such as jalapeños or serranos)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional pecans, for rolling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended and smooth.
- Add in the chopped pecans, sweet and spicy pepper jelly, diced hot peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap and roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Serve with crackers, fresh veggies, or slices of toasted baguette. Enjoy!
Notes
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing this ensures a smooth, lump-free texture that blends easily with the other ingredients and creates a creamy, spreadable consistency. - Chill for Structure
Refrigerating the cheese ball for at least two hours helps it firm up and hold its shape. If you’re prepping it ahead, overnight chilling works even better and enhances the flavor blend. - Toast the Pecans
Briefly toasting the pecans (5–7 minutes at 350°F) before using them adds a warm, nutty flavor and elevates the overall crunch. Let them cool before adding to avoid melting the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Chill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: cheese ball, pepper jelly, spicy appetizer, party food, holiday snack