Apricot-Pineapple-Pecan Cheese Ball
A flavorful cheese ball combining cheddar, cream cheese, pineapple, peppers, and pecans, perfect for parties and gatherings, served with crackers and topped with sweet preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir cream cheese until smooth and add grated cheddar cheese.
- Stir in drained crushed pineapple, minced red bell peppers, minced green onions, lemon pepper seasoning, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
- Turn the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a ball.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for several hours or overnight.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans to coat.
- Thin the preserves slightly with a tablespoon of water and stir well.
- Pour the preserves over the cheese ball and serve with your favorite crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you're short on pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute. To add a bit of sweetness, consider mixing in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with Peaches Supreme for a delightful appetizer spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even sliced apples for a crunchy contrast. It also works well as part of a cheese platter alongside other savory items. For a fun twist, try it with Orange-Rice Jello Fluff Salad Or Dessert for a sweet and savory combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To serve again, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing to maintain the texture of the cream cheese and cheese blend.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot-Pineapple-Pecan Cheese Ball contains roughly 414 calories, with 20g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2308mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just ensure it's tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Rolling it in pecans right before serving will give it a nice crunch.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Both will give you a similar creamy texture, though the flavor might vary slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
How can I add more flavor to the cheese ball?
Incorporating herbs like dill or chives can elevate the flavor profile. Additionally, adding a splash of hot sauce or a few shakes of your favorite spice blend can create a more dynamic taste. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).