Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Savory Twist for Your Next Party

Photo byAngie Bright

A Tropical Twist: Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

If you're looking to impress your guests with a unique appetizer that combines both sweet and savory flavors, the Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is the perfect choice. This delicious dish is not your average cheese ball. With a combination of creamy cheese, juicy pineapple, and crunchy pecans, it offers a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite.

Cheese balls are known for being a party favorite, and this version takes the classic recipe up a notch with the addition of tropical pineapple. The sweet notes from the fruit perfectly complement the sharpness of cream cheese, while green onions and bell peppers add a subtle savory touch. Rolled in crunchy pecans, this cheese ball has an irresistible texture that your guests will love.

Whether you're hosting a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a casual get-together with friends, the Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a versatile appetizer that can be made ahead of time and served with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies. It’s not only easy to make but also looks impressive on any snack table, making it the perfect addition to your menu.

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cups pecans, chopped (divided)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix the Cheese Ball Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped green onions, bell pepper, 1 cup of chopped pecans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
2. Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or plastic wrap, form the mixture into a ball shape. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly before shaping it into a ball.
3. Coat with Pecans: Spread the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans on a flat surface or shallow dish. Gently roll the cheese ball in the pecans until it's completely coated, giving it a nice crunchy exterior.
4. Chill: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and for the cheese ball to firm up.
5. Serve: Serve the Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball chilled alongside crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks. It's sure to be a hit with your guests, no matter the occasion.

The combination of cream cheese and pineapple is unexpectedly delightful. The savory ingredients, such as green onions and bell peppers, balance out the sweetness from the pineapple, while the pecans add the perfect crunch. This cheese ball isn’t just a party snack, it’s a conversation starter! Plus, it can be easily modified by adding more spice or switching up the nuts if you prefer a different crunch.

Once you try it, you’ll see why this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a go-to dish for gatherings. It's a simple yet standout recipe that brings excitement to any appetizer table. Just make sure you have enough crackers and veggies on hand, because this cheese ball will disappear fast!

The Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a fantastic appetizer that blends the sweetness of pineapple with the creamy texture of cream cheese and the crunch of pecans. This dish is perfect for parties and gatherings as it provides both a unique flavor and an eye-catching presentation.

To make this cheese ball, softened cream cheese is mixed with well-drained crushed pineapple, finely chopped bell peppers, green onions, garlic, and onion powders, all seasoned to taste. Half of the chopped pecans are mixed in for a slight crunch, while the rest are reserved for rolling the outside of the ball, giving it a crisp, nutty coating. After forming the mixture into a ball, it's chilled for a few hours to let the flavors meld together and firm up the texture​Favorite Family Recipes​Life, Love, and Good Food.

Once prepared, this cheese ball pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers, such as crackers, crostini, or even veggie sticks. It’s versatile and can be made ahead of time, staying fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks​Spend With Pennies.

For those looking to add an extra touch, spices like cayenne or hot sauce can be added for a bit of heat. Some variations also use shredded cheese, like Monterey Jack, for an even richer texture​Life, Love, and Good Food​Spend With Pennies.