Description
A delicious and easy-to-make pineapple cheese ball that’s perfect for any gathering, combining tangy sweetness with creamy richness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ยฝ cup finely chopped pecans (plus an additional 1 cup for coating)
- ยฝ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper (optional)
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยผ teaspoon onion powder
- ยผ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add mix-ins: Incorporate the well-drained crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar cheese, ยฝ cup of finely chopped pecans, green bell pepper, green onion, red bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Combine thoroughly: Use a spatula or clean hands to mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Shape the cheese ball: Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the wrap around the mixture and shape it into a tight ball.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and for all those delicious flavors to meld.
- Coat with pecans: Place the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans on a plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it over the pecans, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere.
- Serve: Enjoy your cheese ball chilled with buttery crackers, pretzel thins, or fresh veggie sticks!
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Make ahead and freeze before coating with pecans, then thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg