Classic Pimento Cheese Ball

Lots of cheese--Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese--with pimentos and hot sauce make an easy and delicious holiday cheese ball.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 7 mins
• Total Time: 17 mins
• Calories: 546 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• ¾ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil
• 1 small dill pickle, minced
• 1 (4 ounce) jar pimientos, drained and diced
• Crackers
• Vegetables such as radishes, celery, or carrots

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil. Spread the pecans on the foil-lined sheet and toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely. When cooled, give the pecans a rough chop and return to the foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 2

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the cream cheese, garlic, pickle, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, pimentos, black pepper, hot sauce and pinch of cayenne pepper. Turn the mixer to medium speed and mix for about a minute. Transfer to a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.

Step 3

Form chilled mixture into a ball, and smooth out by hand. Roll the ball in the toasted chopped pecans. Keep in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Step 4

Serve on a plate or board with an array of crackers or veggies like carrots, celery or radishes.