Ingredients (~8 servings)

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened but still slightly firm
1/4 cup sour cream
6 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Black pepper to taste
3/4 cup pecans, chopped small

Mix the Cheese Base

Add the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to a medium mixing bowl.

Mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth – this takes ~2-3 minutes and the mixture should look completely combined with no lumps.

Add the shredded cheddar and mix again with the electric mixer until evenly distributed throughout.

Chill and Shape the Ball

Cover the bowl and chill for 1 hour to firm up the mixture.

This makes it way easier to handle and shape without everything sticking to your hands.

After chilling, use a spatula to gather the mixture into a rough ball shape, then use lightly greased hands to roll it into a smooth ball.

The greased hands are key here – otherwise the cheese mixture will stick to everything.

Roll in Pecans and Serve

Place the chopped pecans in a medium bowl.

Roll the cheese ball through the pecans, pressing gently so they stick to the entire surface.

Serve with crackers and a butter knife for spreading. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.