This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is going to be your new favorite appetizer! It’s so easy to make, tastes amazing, and is fun too!
This recipe is such a yummy mix of tangy cream cheese, sweet crushed pineapple, crunchy pecans, and fresh green bell pepper and onion.
This pineapple pecan cheese ball recipe is perfect for game day, Christmas Eve, or any gathering when you want to impress!
It’s super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
The combo of sweet pineapple and savory cheese is absolutely addictive!
Crunchy pecans add the perfect texture contrast.
Pineapple and pecan cheese ball pairs well with everything from crackers to veggie sticks.
And you can make it ahead of time, making your party prep a breeze.
What Ingredients Are in Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball?
This cream cheese ball is a great recipe for any time of year! Here’s the ingredients you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Crushed Pineapple: Drained!
- Pecans: Chopped, for rolling the cheese ball and adding crunch.
- Green Bell Pepper: Minced. You don’t want big bites of it.
- Yellow Onion: Again minced.
- Lawry’s Season Salt: For seasoning.
- Lemon Juice: Just a teaspoon!
- Fresh Chives: Love the way they taste and the color too!
Pro Tips:
- Drain the pineapple juice well to avoid a soggy cheese ball.
- You can toast the pecans slightly if you want a bit of a different flavor.
How to Make Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
This pineapple cheese ball recipe is an easy appetizer for all your family gatherings!
The whole recipe card is below but here’s what you need to know:
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy.
- Mix in the pineapple, half the pecans, green pepper, onion, season salt, lemon juice, and chives.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and chill in the fridge.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped pecans for a beautiful and tasty coating.
Pro Tips:
- You can use a piece of plastic wrap to help shape the mixture into a ball without sticking to your hands.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least an hour.
How to Serve Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
This sweet cheese ball pairs perfectly with a bunch of different dippers:
- Buttery crackers, Bacon Crackers, or baguette slices for a classic choice.
- Pita chips or Bagel Chips for a crunchy alternative.
- Carrot sticks or celery for a lighter, gluten-free option.
- Wheat Thins or salty crackers to complement the sweetness of the pineapple.
Can You Make Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
You can absolutely make this sweet pineapple cheese ball ahead of time!
This cheese ball can be made up to two days before you need it.
Just wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
Then roll it in pecans and serve when you’re ready.
It’s a great option because on party day? No one wants to make a cheese ball the same day!
How to Store Pineapple and Pecan Cheese Ball
For best results, store any homemade cheese balls in an airtight container. Or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Just be sure you keep it in the refrigerator.
This will help it keep it’s freshness and flavors until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Though it’s pretty hard to resist for long!
How Long Does a Pineapple Cheese Ball Last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the pineapple cheese ball can last for 4-5 days.
Just be sure it’s always in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
That way you get the best quality and taste.
Can You Freeze Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball?
Yes, you can freeze the pecan pineapple cheese ball for 1-2 months.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in pecans and serving.
Sometimes I make a couple right before the holidays. Then I can pull them out whenever!
Is Pecan Cheese Ball Healthy?
Well “healthy” can vary a lot! There are so many dietary needs and restrictions.
But you do get a mix of nutrients like protein from the cream cheese and healthy fats from the pecans.
You could try using a lower-fat cream cheese.
Or adding more fresh veggies as dippers alongside the cheese ball.
And enjoy!
Is Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Gluten Free?
Yes, the basic pineapple and pecan cheese ball recipe is gluten-free.
But you should always check the labels of packaged ingredients.
Cream cheese and seasonings shouldn’t be processed with additives that contain gluten. But you never know!
Also be careful of what you serve with the cheese ball.
Make sure you have gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks to keep the entire appetizer gluten-free.
What to Serve with Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Appetizer spread! For sure go with more appetizers for whatever event you have going on!
Here are some options:
- Cheese Curds Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Sliced Water Chestnuts
- Pepperoni Appetizers
- Buffalo Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs
- Bacon Spinach Dip
- Blueberry Bruschetta
- Gorgonzola Pizza
- Caprese Bites
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Serving a bunch of appetizers means that there will be something for everyone at your party!
Can You Make Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball with Different Nuts?
Absolutely you can use different nuts!
While pecans have a classic, buttery crunch, you can easily substitute them something else!
Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews all have a different texture and taste but would be good!
I love that swapping the nut can give you a unique flavor.
And you can make the cheese ball something you’ll love by using your favorite nut!
Additional Pecan Recipes You’ll Love…
- Maple Spiced Pecans
- Watergate Salad
- Candied Pecans
- Pecan Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole
- Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread
The pineapple pecan cheese ball is a great appetizer for any occasion! It can even be a conversation starter! It’s so beautiful!
If you want an easy, delicious, crowd pleasing appetizer? You’ve found it! Enjoy!
Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball recipe combines sweet pineapple, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans for an unforgettable appetizer!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese until nice and fluffy.
- Add pineapple, 1 cup pecans, bell pepper, onion, salt, lemon juice and chives. Mix well.
- Form into a ball and chill for 1 hour or longer.
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in remaining pecans to coat.
- Serve with crackers or veggie sticks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 161Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 221mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 2g
Allyson
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
This is my favorite summer dessert! Thank you so much for that easy recipe!
Melissa
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
Great recipe - crowd pleasers for sure!
Sandra
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
This cheese ball is amazing! I can literally dip anything in it! Definitely a must have in your table!
Catalina
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball was a showstopper at our last get-together! The sweet pineapple combined with the nutty pecans was a perfect match.
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
This was a true crowd-pleaser and my new favorite appetizer! It's incredibly easy to make but the taste is out of this world! It's now a staple at all of our family get-togethers!