The Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball is a delightful and creamy appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of cream cheese, the sweetness of pineapple, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. It’s a perfect party treat, ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with something unique and flavorful.
The beauty of this cheeseball lies in its sweet and savory combination, which pairs perfectly with a variety of crackers, chips, or even vegetable sticks. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your collection.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans (for coating)
- Assorted crackers or sliced vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat it until smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese should be soft enough to mix easily and hold the other ingredients well.
- Add the well-drained crushed pineapple to the bowl. Be sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the pineapple to prevent the mixture from becoming too soft or watery. Mix it into the cream cheese until fully combined.
- Stir in the chopped green bell pepper, red bell pepper, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything together until the mixture is evenly incorporated and colorful throughout.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a slightly sweeter touch, you can add a small pinch of sugar or a few drops of honey. However, the pineapple usually adds enough natural sweetness on its own.
- Once the mixture is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and makes the mixture firmer, which is essential for forming it into a ball.
- After chilling, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a ball using your hands. If it’s too sticky, you can lightly oil your hands or use a piece of plastic wrap to help shape it neatly.
- Place the chopped pecans on a large plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheeseball gently over the pecans, pressing lightly to coat the entire surface evenly. The pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy and fruity interior perfectly.
- Once coated, wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap again and refrigerate for another 30 minutes before serving. This final chill helps it set nicely and makes it easier to slice or scoop.
- Serve the Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball on a platter surrounded by your favorite crackers, bread slices, or crisp vegetables like celery sticks and cucumber rounds. It can be made a day ahead, and any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This cheeseball is an excellent balance of flavor, texture, and color—perfect for entertaining or adding a tropical twist to your appetizer table. It’s simple to prepare, visually appealing, and bursting with sweet and savory notes that make every bite memorable.