Linda'S Cheese Ball
A delightful cheese ball combining creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures with pineapple, pecans, and green pepper, perfect for parties and gatherings with crackers or chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Squeeze all juice from the pineapple.
- Mix the crushed pineapple with the cream cheese.
- Combine the chopped pecans (reserving 1 cup), green pepper, onion, and seasoned salt with the cream cheese mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining pecans.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. If you want a bit more flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or some chopped herbs like dill or chives. This cheese ball can also be shaped into smaller bite-sized portions for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a fruit platter or with a selection of meats for a charcuterie board. For a complete appetizer spread, consider adding 'Sour Cream Date Dreams' for a sweet touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain its shape, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 608 calories, with 12g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2070mg per serving (90% 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 make this cheese ball up to two days in advance. Simply prepare it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of green pepper?
If you're not a fan of green pepper, you can substitute it with finely diced red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor, or use chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. Chopped olives or even sun-dried tomatoes can also add a unique twist.
How can I make this a healthier option?
To make a lighter version of this cheese ball, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of seasoned salt and replace some of the pecans with finely chopped veggies to keep the texture while lowering the calorie count.
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).