Aw Gee, Paw Cheese Ball
A creamy, nutty cheese ball infused with pineapple and green peppers, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- With a fork, cream the cream cheese.
- Add chopped onions, chopped pecans (reserve 1 cup), pineapple tidbits, chopped green pepper, and salt.
- Mix well by hand.
- Let the mixture harden in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
- Remove from refrigerator and shape into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the reserved pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you want to add a bit of heat, consider incorporating some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To enhance the flavor, you can also mix in some garlic powder or fresh herbs like dill or chives. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh veggies for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or sliced baguette for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It also pairs well with sweet elements like fruit preserves or honey. For a complete spread, consider adding Cheese Dressing or Eilene'S Cooked Fruit Salad Dressing to the mix for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cheese ball, as it may alter the consistency of the cream cheese. When ready to serve again, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aw Gee, Paw Cheese Ball contains roughly 483 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of the cheese ball. However, the texture may be slightly different, and it might not hold its shape as well as full-fat cream cheese. Adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt can help improve the consistency.
How can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese ball mixture up to two days in advance. Shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Roll it in the reserved pecans just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy and fresh.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds. Both options will provide a nice crunch and flavor without compromising the integrity of the cheese ball.
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).