Description
Rotel Cream Cheese Balls are a delicious and easy party appetizer. They combine creamy cheese with the zesty flavor of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, all coated in crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, thoroughly drained
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Drain the Rotel thoroughly.
- Combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar in a large mixing bowl. Blend until smooth.
- Gently fold in the drained Rotel, ranch seasoning mix, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare the coating by spreading the finely chopped pecans on a clean plate.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball using your palms.
- Gently roll each cheese ball in the chopped pecans to coat evenly.
- Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and cover with plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use the hot variety of Rotel.
- Blot the drained Rotel with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Chilling the cheese balls overnight allows the flavors to meld for the best taste.
- If you have nut allergies, substitute crushed crackers for the pecans.
- You can make these Rotel cream cheese balls a day or two ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg