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Sweet Heat Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball with Cheddar

  • Author: ChefSophia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian (contains dairy)

Description

This Sweet Heat Pepper Jelly Cheese Ball with Cheddar is the perfect party starter creamy, tangy, and just spicy enough to keep everyone coming back for more. Sharp cheddar, cool cream cheese, and sweet-heat pepper jelly come together in a no-cook, make-ahead appetizer that looks impressive but takes only minutes to prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sweet-heat pepper jelly
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar. Beat or stir until well blended, smooth, and spreadable.
  2. Add flavorings: Add the sweet-heat pepper jelly, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until everything is evenly incorporated and no streaks remain.
  3. Shape the cheese ball: Scrape the mixture together and use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a round ball. For a neater shape, you can scoop it onto a piece of plastic wrap, pull the wrap up around the mixture, and twist to form a tight ball.
  4. Chill to firm: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape. It can be chilled overnight if making ahead.
  5. Coat in pecans: Place the chopped pecans on a plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll it in the pecans, pressing lightly so they adhere and coat the surface evenly.
  6. Garnish & serve: Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Soften the cream cheese fully so it blends smoothly with the cheddar and pepper jelly.
  • Adjust the sweetness and heat by using more or less pepper jelly and cayenne to taste.
  • This cheese ball can be made a day in advance—just add the pecan coating shortly before serving for the best crunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (hands-on)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
  • Calories: Approx. 320 kcal
  • Sugar: Approx. 9 g
  • Sodium: Approx. 430 mg
  • Fat: Approx. 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: Approx. 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 13 g
  • Trans Fat: Approx. 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 10 g
  • Fiber: Approx. 1 g
  • Protein: Approx. 10 g
  • Cholesterol: Approx. 55 mg

Keywords: pepper jelly cheese ball, sweet heat cheese ball, cheddar cheese ball, holiday appetizer, party dip, no-bake appetizer

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Find it online: https://www.chefsophia.com/sweet-heat-pepper-jelly-cheese-ball-with-cheddar/