Pear Pecan Cheese Ball

A delightful holiday appetizer that combines creamy cheese with sweet pears and crunchy pecans. This elegant cheese ball delivers sophisticated flavors that will impress your guests while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 mins
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 2 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1 medium ripe pear, peeled and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
• Crackers and apple

Instructions

1. Prepare the pear mixture. In a small bowl, toss diced pear with lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain any excess liquid and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Mix the cheese base. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and goat cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well blended, about 2 minutes.
3. Add seasonings and pear. Fold in honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper until evenly distributed. Gently fold in the prepared pear pieces, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
4. Shape the cheese ball. Transfer mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather the corners and twist to form a tight ball, roughly 4 inches in diameter. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.
5. Prepare the coating. Combine chopped pecans with minced chives in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly to distribute herbs evenly.
6. Roll and coat. Remove plastic wrap from chilled cheese ball. Roll the ball in the pecan-chive mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres completely.
7. Final presentation. Place on serving platter and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Tips for Success

Pear selection matters. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm – Anjou or Bosc varieties work particularly well. Overly soft pears will make the mixture too wet.

Texture control. Pat diced pears completely dry after tossing with lemon juice. Excess moisture will prevent the cheese ball from holding its shape properly.

Make-ahead friendly. This pear pecan cheese ball can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in refrigerator and add the pecan coating just before serving for optimal texture.

Recipe Variations

Cranberry twist: Replace half the diced pear with dried cranberries that have been soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained.

Herb enhancement: Add 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves to the cheese mixture for an earthy flavor complement.

Nut alternatives: Substitute toasted walnuts or pistachios for pecans, or use a combination for varied texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pear pecan cheese ball covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop. If the coating becomes soggy, simply roll in fresh chopped pecans before serving.

For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in refrigerator before serving and refresh with additional pecan coating if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pear pecan cheese ball with an assortment of crackers – water crackers and artisanal seed crackers work especially well. Fresh apple and pear slices make excellent accompaniments, as do dried fruits like figs or dates.

For beverages, pair with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or serve alongside sparkling cider for a festive autumn touch. The sweet and savory combination makes this appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, wine tastings, or sophisticated dinner parties.

Nutritional Highlights

This cheese ball provides protein from multiple cheese sources while incorporating the natural sweetness and fiber of fresh pears. Pecans contribute healthy fats and vitamin E, making this indulgent-tasting appetizer surprisingly nutritious.

The combination of textures – creamy cheese, tender pear pieces, and crunchy nuts – creates a satisfying appetizer that feels substantial without being overly heavy. Each serving provides approximately 180 calories with 6 grams of protein.