Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe
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It’s not a party until this pineapple cheese ball arrives! This one-of-a-kind treat combines creamy cheese, juicy pineapples, crisp peppers, and crunchy pecans, all rolled into a ball of sweet and savory goodness. It’s like a tropical vacation in appetizer form, perfect for snacking at home or enjoying at all your holiday celebrations!
There are a few holiday recipes close to my heart because they bring back fond childhood memories. I make it a point to make these Christmas treats every year to continue our family tradition – Grandma’s 3-ingredient fudge, Dad’s almond crescent cookies, and Mom’s pineapple cheese ball. As a child, my first reaction to seeing a pineapple cheese ball was “no, thanks”, but it quickly turned to “more, please!” once I tried it!
You may think, pineapple and cheese? It may not seem like it, but they’re a match made in heaven. It’s a taste it to believe it kind of situation! It’s so easy to make, too – no crazy ingredients, minimal effort, and it tastes a-ma-zing.
Cheese balls are always a crowd-pleaser, and this Hawaiian-inspired version is no exception. It’s perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here) – ideal for game day, movie nights, potlucks, and family gatherings. It’s also a great addition to holiday parties, bringing a tropical twist to your festive spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-cook recipe: Mix, shape, and chill – a stress-free option when you need a quick yet impressive appetizer.
- Unique appetizer: Impress your guests by serving a party appetizer with a tropical twist at your holiday gatherings.
- Perfect balance of flavors: Cheese and pineapple creates a delicious combo that surprises and delights. The onions, bell peppers, and paprika in this recipe cut through the sweetness of the pineapple, resulting in a perfectly-balanced flavor.
- Effortless entertaining: Just make and refrigerate – no last minute cooking, baking, or reheating as you head to your party. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish for easy entertaining!
- Versatile pairing: Serve it with crackers, veggies, or bread – it pairs well with pretty much anything!
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe by adding herbs, spices, or different types of nuts to suit your taste, mood, or the occasion.
How to Make Pineapple Cheese Ball
This is by far the best take on a cheese ball I’ve ever tasted. Quick to assemble, tastes amazing, and feeds a crowd. Just make the mixture, roll it into a ball, set it in the fridge, and it’s ready to serve with your favorite dippers.
Chilling takes quite a while, so I suggest you make it ahead if you are serving at a gathering. Once you taste this salty and sweet wonder, you’ll know the wait is totally worth it!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Crushed pineapple: Adds a sweet, tangy tropical flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients. Make sure to use pineapple in 100% juice and not syrup.
- Cream cheese: The creamy, rich base that binds everything together. I use regular cream cheese, but you can use reduced-fat if you want to keep things lighter.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color, a slight crunch, and a mild, sweet flavor. Use green, yellow, or orange bell pepper if that’s what you have.
- Green onion: If you’re curious about how to cut an onion with less tears, try wearing glasses or placing a wet paper towel near the onion while cutting, among others.
- Salt
- Smoked paprika: Adds a sweet, peppery taste that helps cut through the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Pecans: Mixed in and used as a coating. Adds a nice crunch and visual appeal.
Step-By-Step Instructions
You only need 15 minutes tops to prep this delicious appetizer. Once chilled, just coat it with pecans and it’s ready to serve! Follow the simple steps below and you can’t go wrong!
Step 1: Drain the juice
Drain the pineapple in a fine mesh strainer. Press down with the back of a fork or spoon to get all the juice out. Don’t skip this, you want it to be very well drained. Feel free to save the juice for another purpose.
My mistake when I first made this recipe was not draining the pineapple well enough. I tipped the juice out and held back the pineapple, but even so, the mixture was too wet and didn’t form well.
Step 2: Mix and chill
Next, mix the cream cheese, bell pepper, green onion, salt, and paprika in a medium mixing bowl. Add the pineapple and 1 cup of pecans; stir to combine.
Cut a large piece of plastic wrap and lay it flat on your working surface. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center and wrap it up like a ball. Wrapping the cheese mixture in plastic is a short-cut to forming the shape. Chilling in a mound makes it a little easier to roll in the nuts later. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Assemble and serve
Before serving, arrange the nuts in a shallow dish like a pie plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and put it in the center of the nuts. Hold it as you rotate all the sides and press it gently into the chopped nuts. Continue until the whole surface is coated.
Transfer to a serving place and arrange with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette around the ball.
Substitutions
Missing an ingredient or craving a different twist? No worries – here are some easy substitutions to keep your pineapple cheese ball just as tasty.
- Crushed pineapple: Don’t want to use canned pineapple? You can use fresh, ideally if it’s in season. Just make sure to dice it very small.
- Cream cheese: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative, or swap with mascarpone for a milder flavor.
- Green onion: If you don’t have green onion, use chives, shallots, or finely chopped red onion for a similar sharp bite.
- Pecans: No pecans? Use chopped macadamia or walnuts instead. You can also go for pretzel crumbs or crispy, crumbled bacon.
Variations
Cheese balls are endlessly customizable. While I love pineapple cheese balls as is, I like to keep things fun and exciting by switching things up. Get creative and try different flavor combinations, but in the meantime, try these delicious variations!
- Want to make your cheese ball cheesier? Add finely grated sharp cheddar and pepper jack or Monterrey jack to the mix!
- Mix in fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a fresh, savory note that can help balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Add dried cranberries for a pop of tartness and an extra holiday-friendly flair.
- Add shredded coconut and chopped dried mango along with the pineapple for a full-on tropical flavor explosion. Perfect for summer!
- Drizzle honey on top of the cheese ball before coating it with chopped nuts for a deliciously sweet surprise.
Expert Tips
- Use softened cream cheese: Use cream cheese that’s only slightly softened. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold its shape very well and will take longer to firm up in the refrigerator.
- Do a taste test: After mixing, taste and adjust the seasoning before chilling. Add more salt, paprika, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
- Serve on a platter: Serve your cheese ball on a large plate or serving platter with an assortment of bread and crackers. Don’t forget the spreaders!
- Pair with sturdy crackers: Choose crackers that are sturdy enough to hold up to the cheese ball’s texture without breaking.
- Serve at room temperature: Let the cheese ball sit out for at least 15 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread on crackers or bread.
How to Store This Recipe
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. When ready to use, let it sit in room temperature to soften.
To make ahead, prepare the cheese ball up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Coat in pecans within a few hours of serving.
What to Serve with Pineapple Cheese Ball
Pineapple pecan cheese ball is best enjoyed with:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Pita or bagel chips
- Pretzels
- Sliced baguette
- Raw vegetable slices like cucumber, carrots, celery, and bell pepper
- Fresh fruit slices like apples and pears
- Dried apricots or cranberries
- Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or ham
If you make this pineapple cheese ball, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounce crushed pineapple 1 can
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 small red bell pepper finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups pecans chopped, divided
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple in a fine mesh strainer. Press down with the back of a fork or spoon to get all the juice out. Don’t skip this, you want it to be very well drained. Feel free to save the juice for another purpose.
- Mix the cream cheese, bell pepper, green onion, salt, and paprika in a medium mixing bowl. Add the pineapple and 1 cup of pecans; stir to combine.
- Cut a large piece of plastic wrap and lay it flat on your working surface. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center and wrap it up like a ball. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, arrange the nuts in a shallow dish like a pie plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and put it in the center of the nuts. Hold it as you rotate all the sides and press it gently into the chopped nuts. Continue until the whole surface is coated.
- Transfer to a serving plate and arrange with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette around the ball.
Notes
- Use cream cheese that’s only slightly softened. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold its shape very well and will take longer to firm up in the refrigerator.
- After mixing, taste and adjust the seasoning before chilling. Add more salt, paprika, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
- Serve your cheese ball on a large plate or serving platter with an assortment of bread and crackers. Don’t forget the spreaders!
- Choose crackers that are sturdy enough to hold up to the cheese ball’s texture without breaking.
- Let the cheese ball sit out for at least 15 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread on crackers or bread.
