Try this Irresistible Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe
This Pineapple Cheese Ball recipe is a simple-to-make treat that is perfect for any gathering. Made with cream cheese, red bell pepper, green onion, pineapple, and pecans this easy appetizer has sweet and savory flavors you’ll love. Pair it with your favorite crackers and a glass of wine for a truly unforgettable experience.
You’ll love this Cheese Ball with Pineapple
If you have not tried a cheese ball with pineapple before, sometimes called a Hawaiian cheese ball, it’s a must! You’ll love how the sweetness of the pineapple marries beautifully with tangy cream cheese, peppers and green onions.
This Pineapple Cheese Ball recipe couldn’t be simpler, requiring just a handful of easily accessible ingredients and minimal effort. My favorite kind of appetizer!
Related post: Easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
And let’s not forget the delightful crunch of the pecans, adding a perfect textural contrast that will leave your taste buds dancing.
This pineapple cheese ball recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, but you can also customize the flavors to your liking.
The beauty of this dish is that it must be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from bustling holiday gatherings to laid-back summer BBQ.
Ingredients
You must use a cream cheese block, not a cream cheese spread. The spread usually won’t hold up a ball shape. And while I prefer the regular version for flavor, you can use lower fat if you prefer.
Seasoned salt is one of my favorite store-bought spice blends. But if you don’t have it, you can make your own seasoned salt at home or use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and chili powder.
Red bell peppers are sweet so they are a great addition to this recipe. I would potentially use orange or yellow but skip green bell pepper as it would have too much flavor.
I wouldn’t use fresh pineapple in this recipe as it would be hard to get the right sweetness. You know exactly what taste you’re getting with a can of crushed pineapple.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.
Instructions
Step 1
Combine softened cream cheese, seasoned salt, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onions and crushed pineapple in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
Scoop the mixture onto a piece of cling wrap. Wrap the cling wrap tightly around the cheese ball then shape it into a ball.
Refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for 1 hour.
Step 3
Remove from the refrigerator.
Cover half the cheese ball in chopped pecans.
Serve
Place on a serving plate with Wheat Thins, pita chips other crackers and fresh veggies.
Variations
- Spicy — Replace red bell with jalapeno green pepper to add some heat. You can also add a splash of Tabasco or Sriracha.
- Depth of flavor – Consider adding a few teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for added umami.
- Other nuts — Replace pecans with walnuts, cashews, pistachios, or almonds.
- More cheese — Make it cheesier by adding other savory cheeses like parmesan, smokey gouda, and even cheddar for added color.
- Toasted – Toast the pecans for a deeper flavor.
Top tips
- Remember to soften the cream cheese by leaving it on the counter at room temperature for at least an hour for easy mixing. If it’s too cold and solid, it’ll be difficult to mix.
- Chop the mix-ins finely, and roughly the same size to evenly spread the flavors.
- To make a pineapple cheese ball ahead, prepare the whole thing except coating it with pecans. You can refrigerate it for up to four days or freeze it up to a month. Roll the cheese ball in pecans just right before serving.
- Drain the pineapple really well. Otherwise, if it is too watery, the liquid will either seep out of the cheese ball or make it runny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dippers can range from bagel chips, buttery crackers, ritz crackers, baguette slices, and even fresh fruits like apple slices and dried fruits like dates. A crunchy piece of jicama is nice as is celery.
This cream cheese ball with pineapple will last for up to 4 days refrigerated or up to a month frozen. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container or a sheet of plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
You might have not drained the pineapples well. If that’s the case, you can just place the cheese mixture on a ceramic container and still serve it as a dip. It’ll be just as delicious!
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More easy Cheese Ball recipes
More easy appetizer recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
- Pimento Cheese Crostini
- Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels
- Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon
- Truffle Burrata Dip
Easy Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe with Pecans
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned salt
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 20 ounce crushed pineapple, completely drained
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, seasoned salt, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onions and crushed pineapple in a medium mixing bowl.
- Scoop the pineapple cheese mixture on to a piece of cling wrap. Form the mixture into one large cheese ball and wrap tightly with the cling wrap.
- Refrigerate mixture for 1 hour to help make it stiff.
- Remove from the refrigerator and cover half the cheese ball in chopped pecans.
- Serve with Wheat Thins, pita chips, other crackers and fresh veggies.
Notes
- Remember to soften the cream cheese by leaving it on the counter at room temperature for at least an hour for easy mixing. If it’s too cold and solid, it’ll be difficult to mix.
- Chop the mix-ins finely, and roughly the same size to evenly spread the flavors.
- To make a pineapple cheese ball ahead, prepare the whole thing except coating it with pecans. You can refrigerate it for up to four days or freeze it up to a month. Roll the cheese ball in pecans just right before serving.
- Drain the pineapple really well. Otherwise, if it is too watery, the liquid will either seep out of the cheese ball or make it runny.
