Special Cheese Ball
A creamy, sweet and nutty cheese ball combining cream cheese, pineapple, dates, and nuts, perfect as a festive appetizer served with crackers for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese in a bowl.
- Add drained crushed pineapple and chopped dates to the cream cheese and mix well.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts or almonds to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers, such as Ritz crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If you prefer a different flavor, consider adding chopped herbs like chives or a hint of garlic. You can substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds or pecans if allergies are a concern. This recipe can also be made ahead to save time for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cheese ball with a variety of crackers, such as Ritz crackers, for a perfect balance of flavors. Pair it with fresh fruit, like apple slices or grapes, for added sweetness. It also works wonderfully as an appetizer alongside other dishes like Potato Onion Bake, making it a hit at parties and gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Cheese Ball contains roughly 767 calories, with 10g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 up to 48 hours in advance. After forming it into a ball and coating it with nuts, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a more delicious result.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
In addition to crackers, consider serving it with sliced vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for a fresh crunch. You can also offer pretzels or pita chips for variety. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with Ann'S Special Banana Pudding for a delightful dessert finish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese is traditional, you can mix in a bit of shredded cheddar or goat cheese for added flavor. Just be mindful of the texture, as it may change slightly. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delicious variations of this classic recipe.
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).