Description
This Pineapple Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer blending creamy cream cheese with sweet crushed pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoked paprika. Coated with crunchy pecans, it's perfect for parties or casual gatherings served with crackers or sliced baguette.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese - at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple - very well drained
- ½ cup cheddar cheese - freshly shredded
- ½ green bell pepper - finely diced
- 3 green onions - diced
Coating
- 1 cup pecans - chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced green bell pepper, and diced green onions by hand until evenly combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap flat on your work surface. Scoop the cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap. Fold the corners over the mixture and twist tightly to form a smooth ball shape. Wrap with an additional sheet of plastic wrap to seal completely.
- Chill to Set: Place the wrapped cheese ball into a medium deep bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours until the ball is fully set and firm.
- Coat with Pecans: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it carefully. Spread the chopped pecans out on a large plate. Roll and press the cheese ball gently in the pecans, covering all sides evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the pecan-coated cheese ball to a clean serving plate. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is very well drained to prevent the cheese ball from becoming watery.
- You can substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for the coating if preferred.
- The cheese ball can be made a day ahead and refrigerated tightly wrapped to enhance the flavors.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
