Try This Zesty Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe Today

Creamy cheese balls with pineapple pecan blend offer a delightful twist on classic appetizers.

Unexpected flavor combinations often surprise party guests most.

Tropical sweetness meets nutty crunch in this simple recipe.

Soft cream cheese provides a smooth foundation for bold ingredients.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this appetizer works perfectly for casual gatherings.

Crisp crackers complement the rich, tangy mixture beautifully.

Why Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Is a Party Favorite

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This cheese ball instantly becomes the star of any gathering, offering a perfect blend of creamy texture and crunchy pecan coating that guests will absolutely love.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you'll create a sophisticated appetizer that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Versatile Party Companion: Perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers, this cheese ball adapts to any social setting and always receives rave reviews.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a flexible and forgiving option for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that provides a smooth and creamy foundation for the cheese ball.

• Crushed Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that adds moisture and flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Green Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute crisp texture and zesty undertones.

• Seasoned Salt: Blend of spices that enhances the overall savory profile of the cheese ball.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that create a delicious outer coating and add rich, nutty flavor.

• Crackers, Baguette: Classic bread options for serving and scooping the cheese ball.

How to Make Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine softened cream cheese with finely crushed pineapple. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are completely integrated, creating a smooth and creamy foundation.

Step 2: Enhance With Aromatic Vegetables

• Finely diced green bell pepper
• Minced sweet onion
• Sprinkle of seasoned salt

Stir these elements into the cream cheese and pineapple mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape The Delightful Sphere

Using clean hands, gently mold the mixture into a perfectly rounded ball. Ensure the consistency is compact and uniform for an attractive presentation.

Step 4: Apply Crunchy Pecan Coating

Spread chopped pecans on a flat surface. Carefully roll the cheese ball, allowing the nutty pecans to completely encase the exterior, creating a delectable textural contrast.

Step 5: Chill And Develop Flavors

Wrap the pecan-coated cheese ball securely in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Step 6: Present And Enjoy

Unwrap the cheese ball and place on a serving platter. Accompany with an assortment of crisp crackers or sliced baguette rounds for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips to Perfect Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cheese ball soggy and losing its shape.
• Toast pecans lightly before coating to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cheese ball.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture without lumps.
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld together and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture and delicious taste.

Variation Ideas for Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace green pepper with finely diced jalapeños for a fiery flavor boost.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap onions with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, and dill to create a garden-fresh cheese ball.
• Smoky Bacon Version: Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the cheese mixture and roll in smoked almonds instead of pecans.

Pairings That Go Well With Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light, citrusy notes that complement the creamy cheese ball's tangy pineapple flavor.
• Crunch with Artisan Crackers: Choose rustic whole wheat or rosemary-infused crackers that provide a hearty base and enhance the nutty pecan coating.
• Match with Fresh Fruit Platter: Arrange sliced green apples, grapes, and pear wedges alongside the cheese ball to add bright, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture.
• Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Serve with prosecco or sparkling apple cider to cut through the cheese's richness and add a festive touch to the appetizer spread.

Storing Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball for Freshness

• Store the cheese ball in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise the texture.
• If the cheese ball feels too firm after refrigeration, gently knead it with a spatula to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs About Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

It’s best to use canned crushed pineapple and drain it completely. Fresh pineapple contains too much moisture and can make the cheese ball too wet.

• How do I prevent the cheese ball from being too soft?

Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly and let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Chilling the cheese ball helps it firm up and hold its shape.

• What kind of crackers work best with this cheese ball?

Buttery crackers like Ritz, water crackers, or wheat thins are excellent choices. They provide a nice crisp base that complements the creamy texture.

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese ball adorned with sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans brings Southern hospitality to party spreads. Guests will savor this classic appetizer that blends tangy cream cheese with tropical fruit and nutty richness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) crushed pineapple, well drained

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt

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Instructions

1. Blend softened cream cheese with thoroughly drained crushed pineapple in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
2. Incorporate finely chopped green pepper, minced onion, and seasoned salt into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Gently shape the combined mixture into a compact, rounded sphere using clean hands, pressing ingredients together firmly.
4. Carefully roll the cheese formation through a bed of finely chopped pecans, rotating consistently to achieve complete and even external coverage.
5. Encase the pecan-crusted cheese sphere tightly in plastic wrap, securing all edges to prevent moisture loss.
6. Refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to meld and texture to solidify.
7. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance spreadability.
8. Present alongside crisp crackers or thinly sliced French baguette for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cheese ball soggy and losing its shape.
• Toast pecans lightly before coating to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the exterior.
• Adjust seasoned salt gradually to control the overall saltiness and balance the sweet-tangy pineapple notes.
• Make the cheese ball ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 267
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg