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Pineapple Cheeseball Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This Pineapple Cheeseball is a delightful and creamy appetizer combining the sweetness of crushed pineapple with the rich texture of cream cheese, enhanced with crunchy pecans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for parties or gatherings, it is easy to prepare, refrigerated to meld flavors, and served with crackers or pretzels.

Ingredients

Cheeseball Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 8 ounces crushed pineapple (all liquid squeezed out)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons green onion (chopped small)
  • ¼ cup green bell pepper (minced fine)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Coating & Garnish

  • ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Drain Pineapple: Drain the crushed pineapple in a fine mesh sieve, pressing out all liquid until the pineapple is very dry to avoid excess moisture in the cheeseball.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple, cream cheese, 1 cup of chopped pecans, green onion, green bell pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
  3. Form the Ball: Transfer the mixture to a plate and shape it into a compact ball form, ensuring it holds together.
  4. Coat with Pecans: Roll the cheeseball in the remaining ¾ cup of chopped pecans, pressing them gently into the surface to coat evenly and add texture.
  5. Chill: Wrap the cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with a selection of crackers or pretzels.

Notes

  • Ensure the pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy cheeseball.
  • For the best flavor, make the cheeseball a day in advance to let the ingredients meld properly.
  • You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
  • Serve the cheeseball with a variety of crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
  • Keep refrigerated when not serving to maintain freshness and texture.