Our Southern Pimento Cheese Ball is always the most requested appetizer for holidays, tailgates, or weekends! Rolled in pecans, bacon, chives and punctuated with zesty pimentos, this classic is all about everyone’s southern favorites. Get ready for a whole new way to enjoy delicious pimento cheese!
No true southern gathering is complete without an utterly delicious cheeseball. Why? Because delicious never goes out of style! And this easy-to-make cheeseball delivers on all fronts. Sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, onion, a splash of Worcestershire and bright red pimentos are only made better with the crunch of pecans, salty bacon and a little chives. Meet your favorite pimento cheese sandwich’s classy cousin. And wow! You’ll never look at pimento cheese the same again.
What You Need To Make Our Favorite Pimento Cheese Ball
Embrace the best of tradition with a cheese ball at your next get together, on your next charcuterie or for this weekend’s favorite game.
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- cream cheese
- diced pimentos
- real mayonnaise
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- salt & pepper
Toppings
- bacon pieces, chopped pecans, chives, paprika
How to Make & Shape A Classic Cheese Ball
Using a mixer makes a cheese ball one of the easiest appetizers to make, while the toppings and shape make it one of the prettiest! For complete recipe details, see the recipe card below.
- Take your cream cheese out of the fridge to soften about 15-20 minutes before making your cheese ball. This makes mixing the ingredients quick & easy!
- Put all of the ingredients for the cheese ball in a large bowl to use with your hand or stand mixer. (You can use a large fork to mix this with. It just takes a bit more effort.)
- When the ingredients are well mixed, turn out the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull up the edges of the plastic wrap up and twist so that all of the cheese is inside and begins to form a ball. Use a combo of twisting the plastic wrap and your hands to form the cheese into a ball. This method keeps the food from being “over handled” before serving.
- When the ball becomes the shape you like, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving so that it becomes firm.
Add Your Toppings
- After the cheese ball has firmed up in the fridge, pull it out to add the toppings!
- Mix the chopped pecans, bacon pieces, chives and paprika in a bowl, using a fork (specific measurements below). When mixed, spread them out in a solid layer on a piece wax paper.
- Unwrap the plastic wrap from the cheese ball and roll over the toppings mix. You might also have to pull toppings up onto the sides or top and press in a bit to get the covering you like. We like a good heavy covering. That contrasting crunch with the creamy cheese is what it’s all about!
- Try toasting your pecans before making your toppings mix for a richer, more aromatic cheese ball!
What To Serve with A Pimento Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are delicious when served with crackers, crostini, celery, pecans and even fruit! Just make sure you include a serving knife with your cheese so that your guests can easily cut off a little piece to enjoy!
Other Pimento Cheese and Appetizer Recipes to Enjoy
- The Best Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- Grilled Apple, Bacon & Pimento Cheese
- Creamy Peppercorn Parmesan Cheese Dip
- Apple Cider Cheese Fondue
- Southern Queso with Sausage & Collards
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!
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Favorite Southern Pimento Cheese Ball
Equipment
- wax paper & plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 4 oz diced pimentos
- 1/4 C real mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground pepper
- splash Worcestershire sauce
Toppings
- 3 oz bacon pieces
- 1 C chopped pecans
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Take your cream cheese out of the fridge to soften about 15-20 minutes before making your cheese ball.
- Put all of the ingredients for the cheese ball in a large bowl and mix with hand or stand mixer.
- When the ingredients are well mixed, turn out the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull up the edges of the plastic wrap up and twist so that all of the cheese is inside and begins to form a ball. Use a combo of twisting the plastic wrap and your hands to form the cheese into a ball. When the ball becomes the shape you like, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving so that it becomes firm.
- Mix the chopped pecans, bacon pieces, chives and paprika in a bowl, using a fork. When mixed, spread them out in a solid layer on a piece wax paper. Remove chilled cheese ball from fridge. Unwrap the plastic wrap from the cheese ball and roll ball over the toppings mix. You might also have to pull toppings up onto the sides or top and press in a bit to get the covering you like.
- Serve with crackers, celery, crostini, more pecans, even fruit.
Our Southern Pimento Cheese Ball is always the most requested appetizer for holidays, tailgates, or weekends! Rolled in pecans, bacon, chives and punctuated with zesty pimentos, this classic is all about everyone’s southern favorites. Get ready for a whole new way to enjoy delicious pimento cheese!