Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cheese Ball with Herbs & Toasted Pecans

Roasted Garlic Cheddar cheese ball rolled in toasted pecans and fresh herbs, served with crackers Roasted Garlic Cheddar cheese ball rolled in toasted pecans and fresh herbs, served with crackers

Mellow Roasted Garlic, Make-Ahead Easy

Yancey's Fancy Roasted Garlic Cheddar brings sweet, mellow roasted-garlic depth to a classic make-ahead cheese ball, rolled in toasted pecans and fresh herbs for crunch and color.

Prep Time: 25 min
Rest Time: 1-2 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 2 hours
Serves: 10

What You Will Need

  • 8 oz Yancey's Fancy Roasted Garlic Cheddar, finely shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Assorted crackers, for serving

What To Do

  1. Beat the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon.
  2. Fold in the Cheddar and Flavorings: Fold in the finely shredded Roasted Garlic Cheddar, sour cream, chives, Worcestershire sauce, and kosher salt until evenly combined. The roasted garlic cheddar should be distributed throughout, not clumped.
  3. Chill to Firm Up: Scrape the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap, gather into a rough ball, and refrigerate until firm enough to shape.
  4. Shape and Coat: Unwrap and shape firmly into a smooth ball with your hands. On a plate, mix the toasted pecans and parsley, then roll the ball in the mixture, pressing gently so it adheres on all sides.
  5. Chill Again and Serve: Wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve for best slicing texture. Set out with crackers about 15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly.

Pro Tips:

Can be made up to 2 days ahead. In fact, the flavor improves overnight. For a sweeter contrast, add a drizzle of hot honey just before serving.