Pimiento Cheese Ball

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + chilling

Makes

1 cheese ball (2 cups)

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
This rich and creamy pimiento cheese ball looks so festive with flecks of green onion and red pimiento dotting with cheddar cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser at any party. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Pimiento Cheese Ball Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Assorted crackers
  • Minced fresh parsley, optional

Directions

  1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in cheddar cheese, onions, pimientos, butter and Worcestershire sauce. Shape mixture into a ball or press into a small bowl; smooth top. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before unmolding. Serve with crackers and if desired, cover with parsley.

Pimiento Cheese Ball Tips

Should I shred my own cheese for this pimiento cheese ball recipe?

Yes! Although pre-shredded cheese is great for convenience, block cheese doesn’t have the addition of cellulose, and it’s better to know exactly what you’re eating. Learn more about cellulose in shredded cheese.

Why does my cheese mixture dry out?

Make sure to keep the pimiento cheese ball covered or in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

What are some variations of this pimiento cheese ball recipe?

Feel free to add your own seasonings into the cheese mixture like garlic or onion powder. For a little heat, add some cayenne, a couple drops of hot sauce, and substitute some of the cheddar cheese for shredded pepper jack cheese. Instead of crackers, try serving the pimiento cheese ball with fresh cut veggies and pretzels. Get inspiration from other cheese ball recipes!

Can you make this pimiento cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes! We recommend you refrigerate the cheese ball several hours before serving at the minimum, but it can be made up to two days in advance. Make sure the cheese ball is always wrapped to prevent it from drying out, and store it in the refrigerator until 15 minutes before serving. The appetizer will last for up to a week after you form it.

How can you dress up a pimiento cheese ball for entertaining?

Serve the pimiento cheese ball on a great serving platter or charcuterie board with plenty of colorful veggies and crackers. Use fresh herbs to dress up the platter, or roll the ball in additional herbs, cooked and crumbled bacon, or toasted nuts for a prettier appearance. Once this pimiento cheese ball is gone, try more of the cheese recipes we crave the most.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 109 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.