Cheese Ball With Pineapple
A creamy cheese ball with pineapple and nuts, perfect for parties and gatherings. Sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors make it an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the white onion, pecans, Philadelphia cream cheese, pineapple, green pepper, and salt until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture with hands into one large or two small balls.
- Pat finely chopped nuts all over the outside of the cheese ball.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the Philadelphia cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a touch of brown sugar or using sweetened pineapple. Chopped walnuts can be a great substitute for pecans, and if you're short on time, pre-chopped nuts can save you some prep. This cheese ball is a delightful addition to any gathering, similar to Dorothy Ramsaur's Appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or bread slices for a versatile appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a fruit platter or a refreshing salad. Consider accompanying it with a sweet chutney or a spicy salsa to enhance the flavors. This dish is perfect for parties or as part of a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain freshness and flavor, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods. It can also be frozen for up to a month; however, freezing may alter the texture slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball With Pineapple contains roughly 10 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 485mg per serving (21% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just shape it and cover it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don't have pecans on hand, walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes that will still provide a nice crunch. You can also skip nuts altogether for a nut-free option, or use seeds like sunflower seeds for added texture.
How long can I leave the cheese ball out at a party?
For food safety, it's best to limit the time the cheese ball sits out to about 2 hours. If the room temperature is particularly warm, consider serving it on a chilled platter or placing it in a bowl of ice to keep it cool.
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).