Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup smoked turkey, finely diced
  • 3 tbsp fresh green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

  1. Brown the finely diced smoked turkey in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C); set aside to cool completely.
  2. Using the same pan, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat until fragrant; stir in the 2 tbsp melted butter and a pinch of salt, then spread the nuts on a plate to cool.
  3. Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth.
  4. Fold in the grated sharp cheddar, cooled smoked turkey, and chopped green onions until the mixture is uniform.
  5. Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap, gather the edges, and twist the ends tightly to shape the mixture into a smooth ball.
  6. Refrigerate the ball for 4 hours to firm up.
  7. Remove the chilled ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the butter-toasted pecans, pressing gently so the nuts adhere.
  8. Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before serving.