Pimento Cheeseball Recipe

 

This classic appetizer is a beloved favourite in the South and is sure to please any party crowd. It's a simple and customizable recipe that you can adjust to your personal taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• One teaspoon of hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup chopped pimento peppers, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• One tablespoon of chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Pulse the ingredients until they are mixed, making sure not to overmix. The cheese should still have some texture and remain somewhat chunky.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the mixture and pulse until everything is well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped pimento peppers and pecans (if desired).
4. Line a small bowl with plastic wrap. Transfer the cheese mixture to the bowl and smooth the top. Cover it carefully with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. When ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and, if preferred, roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley.
6. Serve the cheese ball with crackers or crudités.

Tips:

• If you prefer a spicier cheese ball, feel free to add more hot sauce according to your taste.
• You can experiment with additional ingredients to customize your cheese balls, such as crispy bacon, scallions, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• If you'd like to make a smaller cheese ball, simply halve the ingredients.
• The cheese ball may be kept for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Here are some extra tips to help you create the perfect pimento cheese ball:

• Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese that has a robust flavour and the desired level of sharpness.
• Avoid overmixing the cheese mixture, as this can result in a texture that is too smooth. It's important to retain some of the chunkiness for a great mouthfeel.
• If you're not a fan of hot sauce, feel free to omit it or use a milder variety.
• Don't hesitate to get creative and add other ingredients that you enjoy to enhance the flavour profile of your cheese ball.
• Remember that you can always adjust the proportions of the ingredients to make a smaller-sized cheese ball if needed.
• The prepared cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

We hope you enjoy making and savouring this delightful pimento cheese ball recipe!