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Pimento Cheese Ball

This pimento cheese ball is so easy to make! Homemade pimento cheese dip is formed into a ball and rolled in pecans. Serve with crackers for an irresistible appetizer!

cracker dipping into a cheese ball

While pimento cheese is typically seen in sandwiches, this time we are making it into an addicting appetizer!

Pimento cheese is made out of cream cheese, cheddar, mayo, pimento peppers, and spices. To turn it into a cheese ball, we roll it in chopped pecan pieces.

This is such a fun twist on a classic cheese ball recipe.

serving knife in the cheese ball

Ingredients to make a pimento cheese ball

  • pimento peppers: jarred & drained
  • extra sharp cheddar: freshly grated
  • cream cheese
  • mayo
  • garlic powder, onion powder & salt
  • pecan pieces
ingredients needed to make a pimento cheese ball

How to make a pimento cheese ball

Step 1: grate 8 oz of extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese by hand. I always recommend grating your own cheese whenever possible. It really makes a difference in the flavor!

fresh grated cheese in a bowl
cream cheese and cheddar in a bowl surrounded by the other ingredients

Step 2: beat the softened cream cheese and the sharp cheddar cheese together.

cream cheese and cheddar cheese mixed together

Step 3: Add the pimento peppers, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

pimentos, mayo, and spices added to the bowl

Use a rubber spatula to combine.

Step 4: Cover the pimento cheese ball filling and place in the fridge for at least one hour, or overnight.

This makes the cheese ball a lot easier to handle once it has hardened up.

pimento cheese ball mixed together

Step 5: Once the cheese has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Lightly oil your hands using cooking spray or olive oil and form the cheese ball into a circular shape.

pimento cheese ball formed into a round shape

Step 6: Roll the cheese ball in the pecan pieces, moving it around to cover all sides.

cheese ball over a bowl of pecan pieces

Cover and chill the ball until you are ready to serve it.

pimento cheese ball rolled in pecans

What to serve with a cheese ball

My favorite way to serve a cheese ball is with salted buttery ritz crackers. Those are my favorite! But a variety of crackers is a good choice for your guests to choose.

You can also serve with celery pieces or other veggies of choice.

pimento cheese ball on a platter surrounded by crackers

More easy appetizers

pimento cheese ball with a serving taken out

Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Don’t forget to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

cracker with pimento cheese ball on it

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pimento cheese ball on a platter surrounded by crackers

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cracker dipping into a cheese ball

Pimento Cheese Ball

Yield: 16 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This easy pimento cheese ball recipe is the perfect appetizer for New Year's, game day, or any holiday!

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon jarred diced pimento peppers, drained
  • 8 oz extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons mayo
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecan pieces

Instructions

  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese together
  2. Add the drained pimento peppers, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to combine 
  3. Cover and place in the fridge for at least one hour to chill
  4. Once chilled, oil your hands and form the cheese mixture into a ball shape.
  5. Roll the pimento cheese ball in pecans
  6. Serve with crackers
  7. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 5 days
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 187mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g

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    Be sure to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

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