Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Ball

This roasted red pepper and garlic cheese ball is the perfect crowd-pleaser for holiday parties or game days. Creamy cream cheese blends smoothly with sharp cheddar, savory garlic, and sweet roasted peppers, creating a burst of flavor wrapped in a crunchy pecan coating. It’s easy to prepare and always disappears quickly from the snack table.

I first brought this cheese ball to a big family gathering, and it quickly became the snack everyone asked for first. Now I keep the ingredients ready for any last-minute get-together.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: soft, smooth texture to bind everything together use full-fat for best creaminess
• Minced garlic: fresh garlic offers a spicy punch that balances the sweetness of the peppers
• Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese: adds richness and a tangy bite choose a good quality aged cheddar if possible
• Diced roasted red pepper: provides a smoky sweetness drain well to prevent sogginess
• Diced green onion: brings a mild onion flavor and freshness select firm green onions with bright green tops
• Pecan chips: offer a crunchy coating that adds texture and a nutty flavor lightly toast them for extra aroma
• Crackers or pretzels: for serving, something crispy to pair with the creamy cheese ball

Step-by-Step Instructions

Spoon and Mix:

Combine cream cheese, minced garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the texture is smooth.

Fold in Peppers and Onions:

Gently add the diced roasted red peppers and green onion into the cheese mixture. Stir just enough to evenly incorporate them without breaking up the pepper pieces too much.

Shape the Cheese Ball:

Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use your hands to pat and mold the mixture into a firm round ball shape about six inches in diameter.

Coat with Pecans:

Pour the pecan chips onto a flat plate. Roll the cheese ball around on the pecans so that they stick evenly all over the surface, pressing gently to adhere.

Chill:

Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least two hours or ideally overnight to let the flavors meld and for the ball to firm up.

Serve:

Remove the plastic wrap just before serving. Arrange the cheese ball on a platter with crackers or pretzels around it. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary if you like for a festive touch.

Pin it

My favorite part is the roasted red pepper which gives just the right sweetness and smokiness without overpowering the garlic. One family holiday, I made a double batch and everyone kept sneaking tastes before dinner even started.

Storage Tips

Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors. When left overnight, the flavors deepen wonderfully making it even tastier the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have roasted red peppers you can roast your own fresh peppers under the broiler or on a grill until blackened then peel off the skins and dice them. You may replace pecans with walnuts or chopped almonds depending on your preference or allergies. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cream cheese and cheese substitute but note the flavor will differ.

Serving Suggestions

Pin it

Serve with an assortment of crackers such as water crackers, multigrain, or buttery rounds. Pretzels are a great salty contrast too. Add sliced fresh veggies like cucumber or bell pepper strips to balance the richness. Pairing with a crisp white wine or a light beer complements the cheese ball beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this cheese ball in advance?

Yes, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up nicely.

→ What types of cheese work best here?

Cream cheese provides a smooth base, while sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy kick.

→ How do I keep the cheese ball from being too soft?

Chilling it several hours before serving helps it hold its shape better when sliced or scooped.

→ What can I use besides pecans for coating?

Try chopped walnuts, almonds, or even crispy fried onions for varied texture and flavor.

→ Are there alternative dippers for this cheese ball?

Crackers and pretzels work well, but vegetable sticks or bread rounds also complement the creamy texture.