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My Grandmother's Cheese Ball

My Mimi used to serve this pecan crusted cheese ball at every special occasion. Serve it at yours and give your gathering a retro Southern twist.
Prep Time15 minutes
Refrigeration time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: cheese, vintage
Author: April

Ingredients

  • 1 block cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese
  • 12 oz cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 jar diced pimentos
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 oz pecan pieces

Instructions

  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature while you grate the cheddar cheese.
  • Once the cheeses are softened and grated, respectively, combine the cheeses, the drained jar of pimentos, and the salt and pepper in a bowl.
  • Use a rubber spatula to begin coaxing the cheese into a vaguely ball-like shape once all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Pour pecan pieces onto a flat plate and use your fingers to get them to be in a single layer on the plate, and use the spatula to drop the cheese ball in the center of the nuts.
  • Use your hands to coat the ball with the nuts. Sprinkle nuts over the ball, and gently roll it around the plate until the whole thing is covered.
  • Lightly wrap in saran wrap and put in the fridge to chill for at least 15 minutes, or for a day or so if making in advance.
  • Remove about 15 more minutes prior to serving and transfer to a different platter if desired.
  • Garnish the tray with an assortment of crackers and a cheese spreader for easy dipping.