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Keto Appetizers

Green Chile Cheese Ball

This green chile cheese ball brings a gentle heat from Anaheim peppers and a satisfying crunch from pecans. I love how it comes together with just a handful of ingredients, making it a go-to for gatherings. It's a showstopper that keeps everyone reaching for more, while staying perfectly low-carb.

20 min Prep time 5 min Cook time 25 min Total time 16 Servings 350 Calories
Green Chile Cheese Ball

Ingredients

  • large Anaheim chile peppers
  • /2 pounds shredded pepper jack cheese
  • packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • cloves garlic, minced
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • cups finely chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start by preheating your grill to medium heat and lightly oiling the grates. Place the Anaheim peppers directly on the grill, turning them often, until the skin is evenly blackened and blistered—about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the hot peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam and cool for 20 minutes

  2. Step 2

    this makes peeling a breeze. Once cooled, peel away the charred skins, remove the seeds, and chop the peppers finely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped peppers, shredded pepper jack, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended. Form the mixture into a ball shape and set it on a wax paper-lined plate. I find that popping it into the freezer for 15 minutes firms it up perfectly. Meanwhile, spread the chopped pecans on a cutting board or baking sheet. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to cover every inch. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Chef's Tip

I like to toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before chopping—they become extra fragrant and add a deeper nutty note. If the cheese mixture feels too soft to handle, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping into a ball.

Storage Tips

Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Variation Tips

For a milder version, swap Anaheim peppers for roasted red bell peppers. Roll the ball in crumbled bacon or fresh chopped parsley instead of pecans for a different twist. Serve with crisp cucumber rounds or keto-friendly seed crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions