In a medium bowl, combine the freshly grated cheddar cheese with the softened cream cheese. It's crucial to use freshly grated cheese here, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Blend them together until well mixed. I've found that room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing any lumps.

Fold in the finely chopped pimentos, half of the crispy bacon, green onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. The key is to fold gently but thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. In my early attempts, I was too vigorous and the pimentos broke down too much, losing their distinct texture.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is non-negotiable. The first time I skipped the chill, the cheese balls were nearly impossible to form. The mixture needs to firm up to be workable.

While the cheese mixture chills, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly darkened. This toasting process intensifies the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Once cooled, chop them finely — this texture will contrast beautifully with the creamy cheese balls.

Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls between your palms. I've learned that damp hands prevent sticking, making the rolling process a breeze.

Roll each cheese ball into the remaining chopped bacon and toasted pecans until fully coated. The combination of bacon and pecans not only adds flavor but also creates a textural contrast that's simply divine. I once tried coating them just in bacon, but the pecans add an irreplaceable depth.

Insert a pretzel stick into each cheese ball, transforming them into delightful bites that are easy to pick up and enjoy. I remember the first time I served them without pretzel sticks, and while they were delicious, they were also a bit messy. The pretzel sticks are a game-changer for serving and add a salty crunch that complements the cheese perfectly.