Description
These savory cheese balls combine creamy cheese, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and bold seasonings for a zesty, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect served with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or crushed nacho chips (for coating)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add drained Rotel, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and green onions if using. Mix until fully combined.
- Divide mixture and shape into 2–3 small balls or one large ball.
- Roll each ball in chopped pecans or crushed chips to coat the exterior.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve chilled with crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for stronger flavor.
- Try using spicy or fire-roasted Rotel for extra heat.
- You can freeze the cheese balls for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer, rotel recipe, savory dip, party snack