Klemm Family Favorite Cheeseball
A creamy, nutty cheeseball with pineapple and onion flavors, perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings, served with crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fluff the cream cheese with a fork.
- Mix the drained crushed pineapple, 1 1/3 cups chopped pecans, chopped onion, and seasoned salt into the cream cheese.
- Add 2/3 cup of chopped pecans and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheeseball in the remaining chopped pecans.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. For a lower-calorie version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a smaller amount of salt. This cheeseball can also be shaped into smaller bite-sized balls for easy serving at parties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheeseball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Tortilla Roll Appetizers for a delightful appetizer spread. Consider adding a fruit platter or a selection of cheeses to round out the offering for your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain its shape and texture, avoid freezing the cheeseball as cream cheese can become grainy once thawed. Simply take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Klemm Family Favorite Cheeseball contains roughly 1025 calories, with 18g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% 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 cheeseball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheeseball a day in advance. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Roll it in the pecans just before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with the cheeseball?
This cheeseball is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Consider serving it with crunchy crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even pretzel bites. For a more substantial spread, complement it with items like Cheese Straws or Mini Sausage Rolls.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, this cheeseball is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat-based ingredients. To cater to specific dietary needs, ensure that the crackers you serve alongside it are also vegetarian. You can also explore adding herbs or spices to personalize the flavor profile.
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).