Mike'S Favorite Cheese Ball
A creamy, sweet and savory cheese ball packed with pineapple, green pepper, onion, and pecans, perfect as a party appetizer for cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, green pepper, chopped onion, seasoned salt, and 3/4 cup chopped pecans together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pecans to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the green pepper with finely chopped celery for a different crunch or use walnuts instead of pecans if you prefer. Adjust the seasoned salt based on your taste, and feel free to add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. This cheese ball is a great appetizer to serve alongside Aunt Verda's Fruitcake Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or slices of baguette for dipping. It makes an excellent addition to a charcuterie board or as a party appetizer alongside Quick And Easy Pound Cake for dessert. Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling beverage to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cheese ball for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. Avoid reheating, as this dish is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Favorite Cheese Ball contains roughly 850 calories, with 12g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2229mg per serving (97% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day or two in advance. Just shape it and coat it in the pecans, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes your party prep easier.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're allergic to pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you want a nut-free version, and simply roll the cheese ball in finely chopped herbs for a fresh look.
How do I know when the cheese ball is ready to serve?
The cheese ball is ready to serve when it has chilled for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, allowing it to firm up and the flavors to blend. It should be easy to slice and hold its shape when served. Enjoy it cold for the best taste.
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).