Easy Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe for Sweet-Savory Bliss

Creamy and decadent, this pineapple pecan cheese ball brings a burst of tropical flavor to any gathering.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with tangy pineapple chunks and crunchy pecans.

The combination creates a delightful appetizer that sparks conversation and tempts taste buds.

Nutty and sweet notes dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly easy to prepare, this cheese ball serves as a crowd-pleasing starter for parties or casual get-togethers.

Serve with crisp crackers or fresh vegetables to enhance the experience.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for every social occasion.

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Why It’s a Holiday Hit

• Requires minimal prep and mixing skills, perfect for cooks of all experience levels.
• Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations, this cheese ball brings instant crowd-pleasing charm.
• Combines sweet pineapple, zesty green onions, and crunchy pecans for a taste sensation that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Can be prepared in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and saving precious time before serving guests.

Ingredient List for Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that provides a rich, tangy foundation for the cheese ball.
• Dry Pineapple: Adds a sweet and tropical flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Pecans: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty taste to the cheese ball.

• Red Pepper, Green Onion: Bring a subtle kick of heat and fresh, sharp flavor to the cheese ball.
• Salt, Worcestershire Sauce: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the cheese mixture.

• Crushed Pecans: Creates a delicious, crunchy exterior that adds visual appeal and extra nutty flavor.
• Crackers: Serve as the perfect vehicle for enjoying the cheese ball appetizer.

Tools for Crafting a Perfect Cheese Ball

• Large mixing bowl: Roomy vessel for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Precise tool for accurate ingredient portions.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for chopping green onions.
• Knife: Sharp tool for finely chopping green onions.
• Plastic wrap: Essential for tightly covering and chilling cheese ball.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Serving plate: Attractive surface for presenting the cheese ball with crackers.

Cheese Ball Assembly and Chilling Steps

Step 1: Blend Creamy Goodness

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with finely chopped red pepper, green onions, dried pineapple pieces, a dash of salt, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed and create a smooth, tangy base.

Step 2: Incorporate Nutty Crunch

• Crushed pecans

Add half of the crushed pecans into the cheese mixture.

Gently fold the nuts into the creamy blend, ensuring they’re well integrated but not overmixed.

Step 3: Form and Chill the Delight

Shape the mixture into a perfect round ball using clean hands.

Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap, creating a secure seal.

Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Step 4: Give It a Nutty Coat

Just before serving, roll the chilled cheese ball in the remaining crushed pecans.

Rotate and press gently to ensure an even, crunchy exterior that adds texture and visual appeal.

Step 5: Present and Enjoy

Transfer the beautifully coated cheese ball to a serving plate.

Surround it with an assortment of crisp crackers, allowing guests to scoop and spread the creamy, nutty delicacy.

This appetizer is perfect for gatherings, game days, or as a delightful snack.

Tips for Sweet and Nutty Cheese Balls

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Pat dried pineapple pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy cheese ball texture.
• Taste mixture before chilling and add extra Worcestershire or salt if needed for balanced flavor profile.
• Make cheese ball up to 3 days in advance, keeping wrapped tightly in refrigerator to develop deeper flavors.
• Toast pecans briefly in dry skillet before crushing to intensify nutty flavor and add extra crunch to exterior.

Cheese Ball Flavor Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Cheese Ball: Replace Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free version and use certified gluten-free crackers for serving.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cheese, use plant-based Worcestershire, and substitute nuts with toasted sunflower seeds.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt, use low-sodium Worcestershire, and select reduced-sodium cream cheese for health-conscious guests.
• Spicy Tropical Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use smoked paprika, and include dried mango chunks for extra heat and tropical flavor profile.

Serving Up Pineapple Cheese Balls for Parties

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange the cheese ball on a wooden board surrounded by an assortment of colorful crackers, water crackers, and thin wheat toast points for elegant dipping.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair this creamy cheese ball with chilled white wine or a crisp summer cocktail like a mojito, enhancing the pineapple’s sweet notes during appetizer time.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Break out this cheese ball during sports watching parties, offering pretzel crisps, veggie sticks, and corn chips as fun alternative dipping options that guests will love.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Transform your morning gathering by presenting this nutty, tangy cheese ball alongside fresh fruit platters and light breakfast breads for a sophisticated starter.

Storage Guidance for Cheese Balls

• Store cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the coldest part of refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods.
• Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cheese ball into smaller sections if not consuming entire recipe. Store individual portions separately to maintain freshness.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor. Do not leave out longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of nuts for this cheese ball?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Just make sure to crush them finely for the best texture and coating.

• Is it possible to make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• What crackers work best with this cheese ball?

Butter crackers, wheat crackers, or water crackers are excellent choices. They provide a good base that complements the creamy and nutty flavors of the cheese ball.

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy pineapple pecan cheese ball brings Southern hospitality to party appetizers. Zesty cream cheese mixed with sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans creates an irresistible spread you’ll love serving at gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) soft cream cheese
• 2 cups (240 grams) crushed pecans
• 2 cans (8 ounces/227 grams each) crushed pineapple, squeezed dry

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Vegetable Additions:

• 1/3 cup (50 grams) cut-up red pepper
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) sliced green onion

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Instructions

1. Blend cream cheese with diced red pepper, finely chopped green onion, dried pineapple, salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Incorporate half of the crushed pecans into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
3. Carefully mold the mixture into a compact, spherical shape using gentle hand pressure.
4. Tightly encase the cheese ball in plastic wrap, securing all edges to prevent air exposure.
5. Refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
6. Prior to serving, unwrap the cheese ball and generously coat its exterior with remaining crushed pecans, rotating to ensure complete coverage.
7. Transfer the pecan-encrusted cheese ball to a decorative serving platter, accompanied by an assortment of crisp crackers for guests to enjoy.

Notes

• Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds or walnuts for unique flavor profiles and added crunch.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of nuts while maintaining the delicious taste.
• Toast the pecans briefly before crushing to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cheese ball’s overall taste.
• Prepare this appetizer up to 2 days in advance for convenient party planning and to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg