This Hot Honey Cheese Ball Recipe has a balance of creamy cheese, savory herbs, and that sweet-heat kick that keeps them coming back for more! It's a super quick party snack or holiday appetizer that can be pulled together in about 10 minutes. Roll in crunchy pecans, drizzle on an extra bit of hot honey, and you have a fun twist on a classic recipe.
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We have been serving cheeseball at the holidays for more than 30 years. It all started with our classic 3-Ingredient Cheese Ball, and since then we have had fun experimenting with new flavor twists.
First up is this sweet-and-spicy version - just the right balance of creamy, sweet, and a little heat. It is safe to say that this one has officially earned a spot on our list of must-make Thanksgiving recipes. We also love to serve it as a part of our Game Day Recipes!
Why this recipe is great
- Simple: Making a cheese ball couldn't be easier - just stir, roll, and let it rest in the refrigerator! Ten minutes to a creamy, flavorful appetizer.
- Fun: While the classic always have their place, but half the joy is finding new flavor combinations that everyone can't stop eating!
- Prep ahead & holds well: You can prep it several days in advance, and it holds perfectly for about a week. Perfect for when you need a last minute snack or appetizer.
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Hot honey cheese ball ingredients
This recipe only requires a few ingredients that are pantry staples! Ingredient amounts are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese has the best flavor and texture, but we have had success with all brands.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, red chili flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika provided a flavorful, well-balanced base.
- Herbs: Even though they are dried, the herbs provide a bright note.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and complement the other flavors perfectly.
- Hot honey: Spicy honey adds a sweet note while also giving a touch of heat.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make a cheese ball with hot honey
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Add in all the other ingredients except the pecans.
Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. If they are not distributed throughout at this point, it will cause the flavors to be uneven in the final product.
Place the chopped pecans on a piece of plastic wrap. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the middle of the nuts.
Use the plastic wrap to press the pecans onto the edges of the ball, shaping it as you go. If needed, wrap the ball completely in the wrap and gently use your hands to shape it, making sure the nuts are firmly pressed into the outside.
Substitutions
- Feel free to try walnuts or pistachios in place of the pecans.
- Try swapping in some dry ranch mix for the seasonings and herbs, just keep the smoked paprika. It is what really makes this flavor profile.
- If you don't have hot honey, just use regular honey and use extra red chili flakes or some cayenne pepper instead.
- Finely chop fresh herbs in place of the dried. Just triple all the amounts.
What to serve with cheese ball
- Crackers
- Carrot chips
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper pieces
- Toasted crostini
- Apple slices
How to store cheese ball
To keep is as fresh as possible, wrap completely in plastic wrap, then place in either an airtight container or a zip top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to serve, drizzle on some extra hot honey - or set it on the side so everyone can add their own.
FAQs
The very best cheese for a cheese ball is cream cheese. Other cheeses can be added in a a secondary flavor, but the primary ingredient in a cheese ball is cream cheese.
Often the cheese ball is too hard because it is too cold. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving, if you find it is too difficult to spread straight out of the fridge.
Tips & tricks
- If you want it really spicy, double the chili flakes.
- Use softened, but not warm, cream cheese.
- Keep covered in plastic wrap so that it doesn't dry out.
More hot honey recipes
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Recipe
Hot Honey Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon hot honey plus more for serving
- ½ ts chives
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except for pecans in a medium bowl, and stir until evenly combined.8 ounce package cream cheese, 1 tablespoon hot honey, ½ ts chives, ½ teaspoon basil, ½ teaspoon parsley, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, ⅛ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Roll in the pecans using plastic wrap to help press them into the surface.⅔ cup chopped pecans
- Once evenly shaped, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Serve with a drizzle of extra hot honey if desired.
Notes
- If you want it really spicy, double the chili flakes.
- Use softened, but not warm, cream cheese.
- Keep covered in plastic wrap so that it doesn't dry out.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Misty says
This recipe is super quick and super delicious! It's the perfect appetizer for any gathering.