Pineapple Cheese Ball

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This easy pineapple cheeseball is the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next gathering. It's a creamy blend of tangy cream cheese, sweet pineapple, a pop of smoky-spicy chipotle, and a hint of green onion, all rolled together and coated in crunchy pecans for that irresistible bite. I like to serve it with crisp crackers and fresh vegetables.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American - Vintage

Prep Time: 5

Chilling time: 8

Total Time: 8 5

Servings:

Calories:194

Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

▢ 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
▢ 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
▢ 2 cups pecans, chopped and toasted - divided use
▢ ¼ cup chopped bell pepper, red and green together is nice
▢ 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
▢ 1 pinch chipotle, optional

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl, using only 1 cup of pecans and reserving the other cup.
Mix until well blended.
Form into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate overnight.
Just before serving roll the cheeseball in the reserved 1 cup of pecans, pressing them into the cheese ball gently.
Serve with crackers.

Notes

Storage:

Any leftover pineapple cheese ball should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to one week.

I don’t recommend freezing leftovers since thawing the cheese ball will make the cream cheese a bit grainy.

Tips:

Drain the pineapple well.
Make sure you soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
Toast your chopped pecans in a single layer on a lined baking sheet in a 350-degree F oven for 7-10 minutes. Stir halfway through so they toast evenly, and watch 'em closely so they don't burn.

Refrigerating the pineapple cheeseball overnight is crucial! It needs to fully chill so you can roll it in the remaining pecans without making a gooey mess.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

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🔪 Step-by-step guide: how to make the pineapple cheese ball

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page. Click on the image to see it full size.

Add cream cheese, pecans, pineapple, bell peppers, and chipotle powder to a large bowl.

Combine the ingredients until well-mixed.

Form cream cheese mixture into a ball, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight.

Unwrap the pineapple cheeseball and roll it in the remaining pecans.

🥫 Leftover love: how to store the pineapple cheeseball

Any leftover pineapple cheese ball should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to one week.

I don't recommend freezing leftovers since thawing the cheese ball will make the cream cheese a bit grainy.

A side-view of the pineapple cheese ball surrounded by crackers.

🤫 Marye's secret for zhuzhing it up -

Jazz up your pineapple cheese ball coating with toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, or crushed pretzels!

zhuzh: verb. To make something more interesting or attractive

👩‍🍳 Let's answer those questions: FAQs

Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!

Can I use different nuts?

Sure. Chopped walnuts or almonds would also work.

What can I serve with a pineapple cheese ball?

Pineapple cheese balls are perfect for charcuterie boards alongside cured meats, fruit, pastries, and other party appetizers. Serve the delicious dip with crackers or pretzels!

How long does a pineapple cheese ball last?

If stored properly, a pineapple cream cheese ball can last up to one week in the fridge! For food safety reasons, don't leave uneaten leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours.

What can I do with the drained pineapple juice?

The leftover pineapple juice is liquid gold, so don't toss it! Add it to smoothies, iced tea, or cocktails, like my Tropical Pineapple Sangria. Pineapple juice is also great in marinades, glazes, and stir-fry or BBQ sauces.

An up-close view of a scoop of pineapple cheese ball on a knife.

⏲️ Marye's time saving hacks -

If you don't have time to wait for the cream cheese to warm up on the counter, unwrap it and microwave it for 10-15 seconds at medium power. Repeat in 5-second intervals until it's soft enough-just don't overdo it, or else you'll have melty cream cheese!

You can also use a food processor to quickly chop the pecans.

🍽️ No waste: creative ways to repurpose

Leftovers aren't likely with an appetizer this tasty, but if you've got 'em, here are some fun ways to make pineapple cheese ball into something new:

Scoop leftovers into phyllo cups or crescent roll dough for a tangy, cheese-filled appetizer.
Stir leftovers into warm, cooked pasta with leftover ham for an easy Hawaiian pasta dinner.
Stuff leftovers into celery sticks or mini bell peppers or spread it onto sandwiches or bagels.

Cheese balls are such a retro thing. I can't imagine my parents having a New Years Eve party, a poker night, or a pool party without a pineapple cheeseball somewhere nearby.

They're just as perfect for 2051 as they were for 1965 - easy, delicious, and popular with the guests!

If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🗝️ Key takeaways: why this recipe is your new favorite

🧾 Gather your ingredients: what you'll need

📖 Make it your own: yummy variations

📖 Recipe