There's something timelessly classic about a cheese ball. Its creamy interior, crunchy exterior, and burst of flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Inspired by the culinary genius of the Pioneer Woman, this cheese ball recipe is both indulgent and easy to put together. I remember the first time I made it; I was apprehensive about the combination of ingredients, but trust me, it's a symphony of flavors. Let's embark on this cheesy adventure!
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Ingredients
- Cream cheese — 16 oz, softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese — 2 cups, shredded
- Green onions — 3, finely chopped
- Crumbled bacon — 1 cup (about 8 strips)
- Pecans — 1 cup, toasted and finely chopped
- Fresh parsley — ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Pimentos — 2 tbsp, drained and chopped
- Worcestershire sauce — 1 tsp
- Hot sauce — 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Garlic powder — ½ tsp
- Salt and black pepper — to taste
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. I once tried it without the bacon, and it's still delicious, but the bacon adds a depth of flavor that's incomparable.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. You can use a hand mixer, but I find a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon does the job perfectly.
- Once mixed, use your hands to shape the mixture into a ball. If the blend is too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to firm it up. This helps in achieving that perfect round shape.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix the toasted pecans and chopped parsley. Carefully roll the cheese ball in the pecan-parsley mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts and parsley adhere to the surface. This adds a delightful crunch and makes the cheese ball visually appealing.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
- When ready to serve, please remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This brings out the flavors more prominently. Serve with crackers, sliced bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Substitutions
- Green onions — Use finely chopped red onions or chives for a milder flavor.
- Pecans — Walnuts or almonds can be used if you're out of pecans. Just ensure they're toasted for that extra crunch.
- Worcestershire sauce — A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be a suitable replacement.
Variations
- Go tropical — Add some finely chopped dried pineapple or mango for a fruity twist.
- Herb delight — Mix in some fresh herbs like dill, basil, or cilantro for a refreshing touch.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- Shallow dish
- Plastic wrap
Storage
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or airtight containers. It'll keep well for up to 5 days.
- For more extended storage, you can freeze the cheese ball without the pecan-parsley coating. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator, coat with the mixture, and serve.
Pro Tips
- Chilling — Never skip the chilling step. It's crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cheese ball to set to the right consistency.
- Pairings — This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or light beer.
Pioneer Woman-Inspired Cheese Ball
Relish a cheesy delight with this Pioneer Woman-inspired cheese ball. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for parties!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- Shallow dish
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cream cheese softened
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 Green onions finely chopped
- 1 cup Crumbled bacon (about 8 strips)
- 1 cup Pecans toasted and finely chopped
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Pimentos drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. I once tried it without the bacon, and it's still delicious, but the bacon adds a depth of flavor that's incomparable.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. You can use a hand mixer, but I find a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon does the job perfectly.
- Once mixed, use your hands to shape the mixture into a ball. If the blend is too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to firm it up. This helps in achieving that perfect round shape.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix the toasted pecans and chopped parsley. Carefully roll the cheese ball in the pecan-parsley mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts and parsley adhere to the surface. This adds a delightful crunch and makes the cheese ball visually appealing.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
- When ready to serve, please remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This brings out the flavors more prominently. Serve with crackers, sliced bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Video
Notes
- Chilling — Never skip the chilling step. It's crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cheese ball to set to the right consistency.
- Pairings — This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or light beer.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Pioneer Woman-Inspired Cheese Ball
Amount per Serving
Calories
908
% Daily Value*
Fat
82
g
126
%
Saturated Fat
39
g
244
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
8
g
Monounsaturated Fat
24
g
Cholesterol
211
mg
70
%
Sodium
1624
mg
71
%
Potassium
373
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
35
g
70
%
Vitamin A
2710
IU
54
%
Vitamin C
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
541
mg
54
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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