Description
Creamy, tangy, and just the right touch of sweet, this Pineapple Cheese Ball is your next go-to party appetizer. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe combines crushed pineapple, sharp cheddar, and crunchy pecans into a deliciously spreadable snack. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, a no-bake party treat, or food ideas for entertaining, this cheese ball delivers every time. It’s ideal for make-ahead prep and pairs beautifully with crackers, veggies, or even fruit. A true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup finely chopped red or green bell pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple and press out excess moisture using a fine mesh strainer.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, pineapple, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional bell pepper. Mix until fully combined.
4. Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. While chilling, toast pecans lightly in a skillet for enhanced flavor (optional).
6. After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in chopped pecans until fully coated. Press gently to help them stick.
7. Serve with crackers, vegetables, apple slices, or pretzels. Let sit 10 minutes before serving for easy spreading.
Notes
Make sure to drain the pineapple very well to avoid sogginess.
Toast the pecans for deeper flavor and a nice crunch.
You can make this up to 2 days in advance—just roll in pecans right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg