Holiday Pineapple Cheese Ball
A festive and creamy cheese ball infused with pineapple, green pepper, and onion, coated with chopped pecans—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings with crackers or vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese.
- Add green pepper, chopped onion, drained crushed pineapple, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and roll in the remaining chopped pecans.
- Chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
- Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If you're short on time, use low-fat cream cheese as a substitute without compromising flavor. You can also swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if desired. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick, reminiscent of flavors in dishes like Stuffin Muffins(These Savory Bread Puddings Are Absolutely Scrumptious!).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cheese ball with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers, or even alongside fruit for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Coconut Pineapple Pops for a festive spread. Consider adding some olives or pickles to your serving tray for extra flavor and variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. To serve after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Pineapple Cheese Ball contains roughly 384 calories, with 6g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2197mg per serving (96% 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! This cheese ball can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it according to the recipe, roll it in the pecans, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for alternatives to pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used for a similar texture and flavor. For a nut-free version, try rolling the cheese ball in crushed crackers or seeds like pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
How long should I chill the cheese ball?
Chilling the cheese ball for at least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to develop fully. Just remember to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
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).