The Pineapple Cheese Ball is a delightful and festive appetizer that combines sweet and savory flavors in one crowd-pleasing bite. This cheese ball is a creamy mixture of cream cheese, pineapple, and nuts, rolled into a charming, retro-shaped ball and coated with a crunchy pecan or walnut crust. It’s the perfect addition to holiday parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, offering a refreshing contrast to more traditional savory snacks. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this cheese ball pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or even slices of crusty bread. Its unique combination of flavors makes it a standout at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra chopped nuts for coating
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and shape the mixture into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the extra chopped nuts to coat it evenly. Press gently to ensure the nuts stick well.
- Serve: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or slices of bread. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprig of fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy the Pineapple Cheese Ball as a sweet and savory appetizer that will add a burst of flavor to your next gathering.
