Pimento Cheese Ball

This pimento cheese ball is a southern favorite. Often referred to as “the caviar of the South”, makes the perfect alternative to offering a selection of cheeses as it can be paired with crackers, vegetables, toasts, and charcuterie. The pimento cheese ball is for dinner parties because it can be made so far in advance.

A pimento cheese ball is much like pub cheese’s cousin in that it is spreadable and loaded with additional fillings such as dill pickles and bacon. While classic pimento cheese contains little more than pimento peppers, cheese and mayonnaise, this is meant to resemble more of a dip. In this cheese ball recipe, I combine the cheese and peppers with cream cheese. This way it holds together well so its easily rolled in the coating of chopped pecans.

Pimento Cheese Ball

What is Pimento Cheese

There’s a reason it’s referred to as “the caviar of the South”! Pimento cheese isn’t actually a type of cheese – it’s a cheese spread. While spread or dip versions are made with mayo in addition to the Cheddar cheese and cream cheese I omit the mayonnaise for a thicker texture in this recipe.

The pimento cheese can be made up to two days in advance, however, I recommend waiting to roll the cheese ball in the pecans until just before serving. Store, covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve the appetizer.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

• Pimento peppers – The key ingredient in making pimento cheese spread is pimento peppers. The small, red, heart shape peppers are mild and sweet in flavor. They can typically be found in jars or cans in most grocery stores.
• Cheese – I use a combination of Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese in this recipe. The slightly sweet, mild flavor complements the sharp flavors of the Cheddar.
• Pecans – The cheese ball is rolled in chopped pecans for a nutty, crunchy addition. Pecan is a species of hickory quite popular in the South. The pecans can easily be swapped with another nut like walnuts.

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this pimento cheese ball recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:

• Pimento Cheese Fried Chicken Sandwich
• Fried Green Tomatoes with Comeback Sauce
• Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread

Pimento Cheese Ball

Print Pin

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Serves 8

US Customary – Metric

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
• ¾ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco® or hot sauce of choice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 (4-ounce) jar pimento peppers, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
• 1 medium dill pickle minced
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment process the cream cheese, butter, Monterey jack cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth. Add the hot sauce, mustard, pimentos, bacon, pickle and cayenne, continuing to pulse until combined.
• Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and scrape the cream cheese mixture into the bowl. Gather the plastic wrap around the cream cheese then use your hands to form the mixture into a ball. Chill until firm, at least 3 hours.
• When ready to serve, add the pecans to a shallow bowl. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans to coat. Serve with an assortment of crackers and vegetables.

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