Favorite Southern Pimento Cheese Ball Recipes

FAVORITE SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Take your cream cheese out of the fridge to soften about 15-20 minutes before making your cheese ball.
• Put all of the ingredients for the cheese ball in a large bowl and mix with hand or stand mixer.
• When the ingredients are well mixed, turn out the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull up the edges of the plastic wrap up and twist so that all of the cheese is inside and begins to form a ball. Use a combo of twisting the plastic wrap and your hands to form the cheese into a ball. When the ball becomes the shape you like, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving so that it becomes firm.
• Mix the chopped pecans, bacon pieces, chives and paprika in a bowl, using a fork. When mixed, spread them out in a solid layer on a piece wax paper. Remove chilled cheese ball from fridge. Unwrap the plastic wrap from the cheese ball and roll ball over the toppings mix. You might also have to pull toppings up onto the sides or top and press in a bit to get the covering you like.
• Serve with crackers, celery, crostini, more pecans, even fruit.

SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE

Steps:

• Place the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, minced jalapeno, and pimento into the large bowl of a mixer. Beat at medium speed, with paddle if possible, until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

CLASSIC PIMENTO CHEESE BALL

Steps:

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

CHEESE BALL SPREAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in cheddar cheese, onions, pimientos, butter and Worcestershire sauce. Press into a small bowl; smooth top. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before unmolding. Serve with crackers.

SOUTHERN PIMIENTO CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine cheese, pimientos and mayonnaise. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers.