True retro recipes may go in and out of style, but favorites like crunchy-coated cheese balls have been party staples for decades — and for good reason. They’re fast, flavorful, and prepared without cooking, a blessing in the summer heat. Plus you can make them a day ahead, giving you more time with your guests. Use the flavors of a classic Southern snack, pimento cheese, as the inspiration for a crowd-pleasing cheese ball appetizer.
Makes
three 10-oz. cheese balls
Total Time
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Ingredients
COMBINE:
ROLL:
Test Kitchen Approved
Instructions
Combine cream cheese, Cheddar, pepper Jack, mayonnaise, pimentos, and scallions in a bowl with a mixer on medium speed.
Transfer half of mixture to a food processor; purée until nearly smooth. Stir back into mixture in bowl to combine; season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Chill mixture 1 hour to firm.
Divide cheese mixture into three even portions. Roll each portion into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Roll cheese balls in preferred topping to coat, then transfer to a serving platter with crackers, corn chips, or tortilla chips.
Test Kitchen Approved
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per 1 oz.
Calories: 100
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 13%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 170mg 7%
% Daily Value*
Carbs 1g 0%
Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 3g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
