If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both sweet and savory, look no further than this Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of crunchy—perfect for any gathering!

The image shows a large, round cheese ball covered with a thick layer of chopped nuts in various shades of brown and tan, giving the surface a rough and crunchy texture. The cheese ball is placed on a wooden cutting board lined with parchment paper, and several round, lightly toasted white crackers surround the cheese ball, with one cracker partially inserted vertically into its side. The background is a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember bringing this Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball to my last holiday party and watching it disappear in no time. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make—definitely a keeper!

Creamy and flavorful: The blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and pineapple is pure magic on your taste buds.
Simple prep: No cooking required, just mixing and chilling—great for busy days.
Textural delight: Coated in crunchy pecans, which adds a perfect bite to the soft cheese center.
Party favorite: Always a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh baguette slices.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this sweet and savory pineapple cheese ball serves a purpose. When shopping, pick a good-quality cream cheese and make sure to drain the pineapple really well so your mixture isn’t watery. Freshly shredding cheddar cheese also makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a large block of cream cheese, a small white bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of smoked paprika, a small white bowl filled with well-drained crushed pineapple chunks, a small white bowl of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, half a green bell pepper finely diced on a simple white plate, three green onions diced on a small white dish, a round white plate piled with chopped pecans, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream cheese: The creamy base that brings everything together smoothly and creates that classic cheese ball texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth to balance the sweetness of pineapple.
Garlic powder: A little punch of savory flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar.
Crushed pineapple: The star of the show—sweet and juicy, but really well drained to keep the ball firm.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, freshly shredded to add tang and texture inside the cheese ball.
Green bell pepper: Finely diced for a mild crunch and fresh veggie flavor.
Green onions: Bright and slightly spicy, adding a fresh bite throughout the mix.
Pecans: Chopped and pressed all over for a festive, crunchy coating.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to tailor it to your taste and occasion. Whether you love a bit more crunch, a zestier kick, or want to cater to dietary preferences, these simple tweaks can make the recipe your own.

Nut-Free Version: If pecans aren’t your thing or you’re hosting guests with nut allergies, try coating the cheese ball with finely chopped pretzels or crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. I switched to pretzel crumbs once for a game night and it was a hit!
Extra Savory Twist: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple. It’s a surprising but delightful balance that warms up the party platter.
Seasonal Freshness: Swap the green bell pepper for finely diced red bell pepper or even a small amount of grated carrot for a pop of color and seasonal flair. This is a fun variation during the holidays when vibrant colors make all the difference.
Vegetarian-Friendly Boost: For an extra veggie punch, try mixing in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives, which add savory depth that complements the cream cheese base perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe

A round cheese ball with a rough outside covered in chopped brown nuts sits on a wooden board with a white paper layer underneath. The inside of the cheese ball is creamy light beige with visible small green and orange bits mixed in, giving it a textured look. In the background, blurry round crackers lay scattered on a white marbled surface. The focus is close, showing detail in the cheese ball’s soft inside and the crunchy nut coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

Begin by beating the 16 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with ½ teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until it’s silky smooth and creamy. This ensures your base has a lovely depth of flavor and no lumps—take your time here with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon. Then, gently fold in the very well-drained crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar, diced green bell pepper, and green onions. Mixing by hand preserves the pineapple’s juicy sweetness without making the mixture watery—an essential step for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Shape Your Cheese Ball With Care

Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap flat on your surface and scoop the cheese mixture into the center. Gather the corners over the mixture and twist tightly to form a smooth, compact ball. Wrapping it snugly guarantees a cohesive shape and locks in freshness. For extra security, wrap it again with a second layer of plastic wrap.

Step 3: Chill Until Firm and Flavorful

Place your wrapped cheese ball into a medium deep bowl, then into the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours. This chilling time lets the flavors meld and the shape set firmly—don’t rush this step! When you remove it, the ball should feel nicely firm to the touch but still soft enough to slice easily.

Step 4: Coat It in Crunchy Pecans

About 15 minutes before serving, unwrap your cheese ball carefully and place it on a plate filled with 1 cup of chopped pecans. Press gently but thoroughly so the pecans adhere evenly across the entire surface, creating that irresistible nutty crust. The pecan coating adds a delightful contrast to the creamy and sweet interior—trust me, it’s worth every bite!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the pecan-coated cheese ball to a fresh serving plate. For a little extra flair and freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top. Serve alongside your favorite crackers or sliced baguette, and watch your guests dive in. This appetizer yields 8 generous servings—perfect for any gathering!

Top Tip

Mastering the Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe is all about the little details that bring out the best flavors and textures. These tips will help you create a crowd-pleasing appetizer every time.

Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly: I always make sure to press out as much juice as possible from the crushed pineapple. Excess moisture can make the cheese ball too soft and watery, so a fine mesh strainer and some patience make all the difference.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Letting the cream cheese soften before mixing was a game changer for me. It makes the blending process smoother, resulting in a creamier texture that’s easy to shape into a perfect ball.
Rolling with Pecan Coating: When coating the cheese ball with pecans, I use a large plate and gently press the nuts so they stick well but don’t break the shape. Rolling it around ensures an even, beautiful crust.
Make It Ahead: Planning is key—I usually make the cheese ball the day before my party. It gives the flavors time to meld and makes last-minute preparations stress-free.

How to Serve Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding three separate piles of ingredients. On the left is a creamy white mixture with a thick texture, on the bottom is a small heap of orange shredded cheese, and on the right is a pile of finely chopped green vegetables. The ingredients are untouched and clearly separated inside the bowl, ready to be mixed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added pop of color and freshness, sprinkle extra diced green onions or bright fresh parsley over the pecan coating right before serving. You can also add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary for a lovely herbal aroma that complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers — think buttery Ritz, multigrain crisps, or even lightly salted kettle chips. For a more rustic feel, serve it alongside thinly sliced baguette or sturdy vegetable sticks such as celery, cucumber, or bell peppers for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your gathering, simply store any leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days — perfect for savoring in another snack or sandwich spread!

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the cream cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic and place it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for the freshest flavor and texture. Therefore, reheating isn’t recommended. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the taste experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?

Absolutely! Just make sure to finely crush it and drain it very well to avoid excess liquid in the cheese ball.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut or seed?

Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives for the coating, offering a different texture and flavor.

How long can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

You can prepare and refrigerate the cheese ball up to one day in advance. This actually helps the flavors blend wonderfully.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as it uses cream cheese and cheddar without any meat products.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe has become one of my go-to appetizers for any occasion that calls for a little something special. Its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, savory, and nutty flavors is always a hit. Whether you’re throwing a big party or just craving an easy yet elegant snack, this cheese ball brings warmth and smiles to the table. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!