Classic Cheese Ball with Spiced Pecans

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives, divided (from a 1/2-ounce package)
• 1/2 cup raw pecan halves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• Crackers, for serving

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Using a rubber spatula, stir together cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of the chives in a large bowl until thoroughly blended, about 1 minute. Spoon mixture onto a work surface covered with plastic wrap; gather plastic around cheese, using your hands shape into a ball. Chill in plastic wrap until firm, about 2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, stir together pecans, maple syrup, oil, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl until evenly coated; spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake until browned, about 12 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Place baking sheet on a wire rack, and cool completely, about 30 minutes. Finely chop pecans.
5. Stir together chopped pecans and remaining 1 tablespoon chives in a medium bowl. Roll cheese ball in pecan mixture to coat; pressing lightly to adhere. Serve with crackers.