Deviled Pecan Ball
Creamy, savory deviled pecan balls with sharp cheddar, ham, and pimento, coated in pecans—perfect for parties, snacks, or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 2 1/2 oz. can deviled ham ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. onion, grated
- 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
- 3/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 to 4 drops hot sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and deviled ham in a bowl.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chopped pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, dried parsley flakes, lemon juice, dry mustard, salt, seasoned salt, paprika, and hot sauce.
- Chill the mixture for 2 hours or until firm.
- Divide the mixture to form 2 balls or leave as one large ball.
- Roll the formed balls in chopped pecans until coated.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute deviled ham with finely chopped cooked ham or even a spreadable ham product if preferred. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level based on your preference. Adding finely chopped green onions can enhance the flavor, similar to what's found in some American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Deviled Pecan Ball pairs beautifully with an assortment of crackers, fresh veggies, or even sliced baguette. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a cheese platter or a charcuterie board. It also complements well with a light salad or soup, such as Vermont Corn Chowder, for a delightful appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cheese ball as it may change the consistency. When ready to serve again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deviled Pecan Ball contains roughly 96 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2271mg per serving (99% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just follow the instructions, chill it, and cover it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture. Toasting the nuts lightly before rolling the cheese ball in them can enhance the overall taste.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To elevate the heat, consider adding more hot sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños into the mix. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of sharp cheddar for an extra kick, making it a great option for spice lovers.
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).