Bill'S Holiday Cheese Ball
A festive and creamy cheese ball infused with pineapple, green pepper, and pimentos, coated in chopped nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings or parties requiring a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash the cream cheese with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the drained crushed pineapple.
- Add seasoned salt, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and chopped drained pimentos.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts to coat.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Serve with a variety of crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider using a food processor to blend the cream cheese and pineapple. You can substitute the green pepper with finely chopped celery for a different crunch, or use walnuts instead of pecans for the coating. Adjust the seasoned salt to taste, especially if using salted nuts. This cheese ball also works well in vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks for a colorful platter. For a festive touch, include some fruits like grapes or apple slices alongside. It also pairs beautifully with Pecan Surprises for a delightful dessert contrast. Consider serving it at parties or gatherings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the cheese ball is rolled in nuts, they may lose their crunch after a few days. For best results, serve it fresh, but you can always reform into a ball if it softens too much. Do not freeze.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S Holiday Cheese Ball contains roughly 524 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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 this cheese ball in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead. Shape it into a ball and coat it in nuts, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture slightly, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños. You can also incorporate some red pepper flakes into the mix for an extra kick. Just be sure to balance the flavors so it doesn't overpower the creaminess of the cheese.
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).