Yummie Cheese Balls
Creamy cheese balls infused with pineapple, walnuts, and green pepper offer a sweet and savory appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese.
- Add chopped pineapple, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, Lawry's seasoned salt, and 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the cheese.
- Chill the mixture until firm.
- Form into one large or two small balls.
- Roll the cheese balls in remaining chopped walnuts.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored cream cheese, such as chive or garlic. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds are excellent substitutes. Adjust the amount of pineapple to your taste for sweetness. Incorporating herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the overall flavor. Make sure your ingredients are finely chopped for a smooth texture in the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese balls with an assortment of crackers or sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer. They pair beautifully with a fresh fruit platter or a selection of pickles and olives. For a festive touch, consider presenting them alongside St. Nick Cookies No. 2 for a holiday gathering or party.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain their shape and texture, avoid freezing them, as this may result in a watery consistency upon thawing. If you want to serve them later, prepare the mixture in advance and form the balls just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummie Cheese Balls contains roughly 1331 calories, with 29g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1671mg per serving (73% 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 these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance. Just chill it in the refrigerator until firm, then form the balls right before serving. This will save you time and ensure the flavors meld beautifully. Be sure to store them properly to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with the cheese balls?
These cheese balls are perfect with a variety of dippers. Serve them with assorted crackers, fresh vegetables like celery or bell peppers, or even sliced meats for a charcuterie-style platter. They also complement fruit, such as grapes or apple slices, adding a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts provide a nice crunch and flavor, you can substitute them with any nuts you prefer. Pecans or almonds work particularly well. Just chop them finely and roll the cheese balls in the nuts of your choice for a unique twist.
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).