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Easy 4-Step Pimento Cheese Ball
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Pimento cheese ball is a classic Southern appetizer loaded with creamy cheese, pimentos, bacon, and pickles, then rolled in crunchy pecans for the perfect party bite. Often called “the caviar of the South,” this easy-to-make savory cheese ball is ideal for entertaining because it can be made ahead and served with crackers, baguette toasts, or fresh vegetables. If you love crowd-pleasing starters like this one, be sure to try this Southern-inspired fried green tomatoes with comeback sauce or my skillet jalapeño cornbread to round out your next spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern Flavor – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pimentos give it rich, tangy depth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill ahead of time so you’re ready to serve when guests arrive.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – Great with crackers, crostini, or crisp vegetables.
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 for 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.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Chill the cheese ball for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before rolling in nuts — this lets the flavors meld and ensures a firmer texture that holds together well when serving.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Bacon: Omit the bacon to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Use cheddar, Colby jack, or pepper jack as an alternative.
- Pecans: Substitute walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of onion or garlic powder to boost savory flavor.
How to Make a Pimento Cheese Ball (Step-by-Step)
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment process the cream cheese, butter, shredded Monterey jack cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth.
Add the hot sauce, mustard, pimentos, bacon, pickle and cayenne, continuing to pulse until just combined.
Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and scrape the cream cheese mixture into the bowl using a rubber spatula. 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.
How to Serve a Pimento Cheese Ball
- With crackers: Serve with buttery crackers or wheat crackers for an easy appetizer.
- With vegetables: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or sliced bell peppers for a fresh contrast.
- As a spread: Scoop and spread onto crostini, toast points, or sandwich bread.
- On a cheese board: Add to a Southern-inspired charcuterie board with nuts and pickles.
How to Store a Pimento Cheese Ball
- Refrigerator: Store the pimento cheese ball covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Before coating: If making ahead, wait to roll the cheese ball in pecans until just before serving for the best texture.
- Serving tip: Let sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The cheese ball can be assembled up to 4 days ahead and chilled; finish by rolling in pecans just before serving.
Serve with crackers, crostini, and fresh raw vegetables like celery and carrots.
Absolutely. Omit the bacon and add a touch of extra spice or veggies for flavor.
Chopped pecans are classic, but walnuts or almonds also work well for a crunchy coating.
Yes! It’s great for potlucks or parties and can be transported chilled; roll in nuts and set out at room temperature before serving.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this pimento cheese ball recipe, check out some of these:
- Pimento Cheese Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Fried Green Tomatoes with Comeback Sauce
- Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Pimento Cheese Ball
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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 cooked crumbled 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 just combined.
- Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and scrape the cream cheese mixture into the bowl using a rubber spatula. 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.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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