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Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball

Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball to Wow Your Guests

This Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball is a delightful vegetarian-friendly appetizer that balances creamy and zesty flavors, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Ball
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Substitute with Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Other options include Pepper Jack or Gouda.
  • 1/2 cup Pecans (chopped) Substitute with walnuts or almonds if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1/2 cup Diced Hot Peppers Use milder peppers or jalapeños to adjust heat.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for a more robust flavor.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be a substitute.
For the Coating
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans For rolling after chilling.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • hand mixer or wooden spoon
  • plastic wrap
  • serving platter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Mix in Flavors: Add in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of sweet and spicy pepper jelly, 1/2 cup of diced hot peppers, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a tight ball.
  4. Chill the Cheese Ball: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for a minimum of 2 hours.
  5. Coat the Cheese Ball: Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
  6. Serve with Style: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and pair it with crackers, fresh veggies, or toasted baguette slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This dish can be made a day in advance for optimal flavor melding.

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