Nutty Pimento Cheese Balls

By

  • 30 mins
  • 60 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, Neufchâtel, softened; generous 1/4 cup
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, about 2 cups
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, about 2 cups
  • 3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons pimentos, chopped, drained
  • 1 teaspoon onion,grated
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans, finely chopped

Preparation

Step 1

1.Process cream cheese in a food processor until smooth. Add Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mayonnaise, pimientos, onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Scrape into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
2.Place pecans in a medium bowl. Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls and coat each ball evenly with pecans.
3.Serve the cheese balls at room temperature or chilled.