Gary'S Cheese Ball
A creamy cheese ball packed with sweet pineapple, tangy bell pepper, and chopped pecans, perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, seasoned salt, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and drained crushed pineapple until well combined.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans to coat evenly.
- Serve with Chicken and Biscuit crackers or your preferred crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating some garlic powder or chopped herbs like chives or parsley into the cheese mixture. If you need a nut-free option, you can substitute sunflower seeds or omit the coating entirely. Be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery texture. This cheese ball also works well with low-fat cream cheese if you're looking for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with Chicken and Biscuit crackers, but feel free to serve it with a variety of your favorite crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping. For a festive touch, add a selection of cured meats and cheeses to the platter. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board alongside items like olives and dried fruits for a well-rounded appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its shape and texture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. If you want to serve it warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or briefly microwave it in 10-second intervals, checking frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gary'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 148 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1817mg per serving (79% 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 up to 24 hours in advance. Just shape it, cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Roll it in pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy and fresh.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or even seeds like pumpkin or sesame. Each option will give a unique twist to the cheese ball while still providing a nice crunch.
How can I customize the flavor of the cheese ball?
Feel free to experiment with different spices and add-ins! Mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or using different types of cheese like cheddar or blue cheese can elevate the flavor further. You might also consider blending in some hot sauce for a kick!
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).