Classic Cheese Ball with Spiced Pecans

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

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.

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.

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.

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.