Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
This delightful Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Rich and creamy with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple and a crunchy texture from the pecans, this cheese ball is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with crackers or fresh fruit for an enjoyable snacking experience.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 plastic wrap
- 1 serving platter
- 1 rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained Make sure to drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans Reserve half for coating.
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar cheese, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped green onions and half of the chopped pecans, reserving the other half for coating.
- Use a spatula to form the mixture into a ball shape. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped pecans, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with your choice of crackers or sliced fruits.
Notes
Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the cheese ball.
You can prepare this cheese ball a day ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Feel free to customize the ingredients by adding herbs or different types of cheese based on your preference.