This pineapple pecan cheese ball is a deliciously sweet and salty appetizer with a crunchy coating. It’s easy to prepare with just a handful of simple ingredients!
Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Cheese balls have been a party staple for over 100 years and it’s easy to see why — they’re easy to prepare, require few ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
This pineapple pecan cheeseball adds crushed pineapple to the classic cheeseball recipe for a hint of sweetness. It’s rolled in crushed pecans for a little crunchy finish that pulls everything toegether.
This was a favorite recipe of mine from the 80’s that I hadn’t made in quite a few years. I had forgotten how great it tastes; I literally can just eat this with a spoon!
And did! But you probably want to share it with friends and family and this fruity and savory cheese ball is a great addition to your appetizer recipes.
Pineapple pecan cheese ball is perfect for potlucks or as a party appetizer. I served it with crackers this time, but it is also great with your favorite cut up vegetables. This is also great for holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving when people like to have things out to nibble on.
The crushed pineapple provides a little sweetness but it is not what I would call a sweet dish. The addition of the seasoned salt, onion, and green pepper give it just the right amount of savory to balance the cheese ball.
The ingredients in this cheeseball are very easy to assemble and mix; this part just takes a few minutes. There are just a few ingredients in this pineapple cheese ball but each one adds the perfect flavor. There is something magical about the combination of pineapple, onion, green pepper, and pecans with the cream cheese. No wonder this recipe has been passed down through the generations!
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 8 ½ ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups chopped pecans, divided
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped green pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons seasoned salt
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Instructions
- Use a food processor to chop your pecans into crumbs. Drain the pineapple and set aside.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then stir in one cup of the pecans, along with the pineapple, onion, green pepper, and seasoned salt.
- Chill the cream cheese mixture in the fridge for an hour or so until it is firm enough to shape into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining crushed pecans, pressing the nuts gently into the cheese so they stay in place.
Prep Tips
- Chilling: This is a make ahead recipe, so plan on starting it several hours before you intend to serve it. The original recipe says to let it sit in the fridge overnight, but I don’t think this is necessary. The cheese ball does need time in the refrigerator so that it is firm enough to form a ball and roll in the chopped pecans, but a few hours will get the job done. The flavors do need some time to blend but I don’t think a whole night is necessary. You could alternatively make it in the morning and then serve in the evening.
- Serve with: Crackers (Ritz, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, etc.), chips, pretzels, pita chips, sliced fresh veggies. This cheeseball also tastes fantastic with apple slices because they play up the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Variations: When you make cheeseballs at home, you can use your best ingredients to make the best taking version as well as adapting for your own tastes. I love the green pepper and onion, so I added a little extra…you can also add more or less of the seasoning and veggies to your own taste.
- Substitutions: You can use a different type of chopped nuts, such as walnuts. Don’t have green peppers? Use red bell peppers instead! This is an easy recipe to modify to your preferences or to use ingredients that you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Cheese Ball Last In The Refrigerator?
Depending on the freshness of the ingredients you used to prepare your cheese ball, it can stay good in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. The fresher the ingredients used, the longer it will last, so be sure to check the expiration dates on the products you purchase.
Can You Freeze A Cheese Ball?
Yes, you can freeze a homemade cheeseball for up to 1-2 months. To do so, wrap the cheeseball tightly with plastic wrap and place into a large freezer bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge until soft. This can take a few hours, so you’ll want to plan ahead. I recommend thawing in the fridge overnight if possible.
More Classic Party Appetizers To Try
Pineapple Pecan Cheeseball Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ounces crushed pineapple 1 small can
- 2 Tablespoons finely minced onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons seasoned salt to taste
- 2 cups chopped pecans divided
Instructions
- To Prep: Drain pineapple and chop pecans in food processor until crumb-like in texture.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in one cup of pecans, pineapple, onion, green pepper, and seasoned salt.
- Chill for an hour or so until the cream cheese mixture is firm enough to shape into a ball
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in the remaining cup of crushed pecans.
- Cover and chill for a few hours, or overnight.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin our pecan crusted cheese ball on Pinterest:
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