Christmas Chili Roll
A savory cheese roll infused with spices and chopped pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or a festive appetizer that appeals to cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix the ground longhorn cheese with the cream cheese until well combined.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, chopped pecans, chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the cheese mixture; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal rolls.
- Place chili powder on a sheet of wax paper and roll each cheese roll in it to coat.
- Wrap each cheese roll in aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Slice the cheese rolls before serving or shape into balls for a spread at room temperature. Sharp cheddar cheese can be substituted for the longhorn cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in addition to chili powder. If you can't find longhorn cheese, sharp cheddar is a great substitute. Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to various tastes; consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in herbs for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese rolls as a delightful appetizer at your holiday gatherings. Pair them with crunchy crackers, fresh vegetables, or a tangy dip for a complete spread. They also make a great addition to a cheese platter alongside Faye'S Pecan Pie or Dry Roasted Nuts. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese rolls wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week. For best results, slice them just before serving. If you prefer them warm, reheat them gently in the oven at low temperature until warmed through, but avoid overheating to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Chili Roll contains roughly 262 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheese rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cheese rolls can be made a day or two in advance. Just prepare them, wrap in aluminum foil, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. This actually allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can omit the pecans entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch. Alternatively, walnuts or almonds can be used if you want to keep the nutty flavor without using pecans.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To control the spice level, start with a small amount of chili powder and gradually add more until you reach your desired heat. You can also mix in diced mild or hot peppers to customize the flavor to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).