Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball recipe is always one of the biggest hits at any gathering and every party.
We cannot allow the combination of foods to gross us out.
This would not be one of my favorites if it tasted disgusting.
So bear with me and give this a try. I had actually received this from a very dear friend.
His mother used to make it for the family on special occasions. When she passed on, he wanted to pass on one of her best and favorite recipes.
I love appetizers! No big meals to make, just lots of little tasty dishes to sample – it totally appeals the foodie in me!
Our family serves appetizers for dinner on some weeknights, along with game night, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, before Thanksgiving dinner, and lots of time when we have groups of friends over to gab or play games.
Ingredients
2 packages of softened and room temperature cream cheese.
1 can crushed pineapple, drained very well
½ cup chopped green onions
½ cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
2 cups pecans, chopped nicely
Assorted crackers
How to Make Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth
Gently fold in the vegetables
Add the seasonings
Add ½ cup chopped pecans
Place this on a sheet of plastic wrap, roll and shape the cheese into a ball.
Refrigerate overnight
Just before serving, roll the ball into the remaining chopped pecans
Set the ball onto the center of a plate and surround it with a variety of crackers.
The Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball is a delightful and versatile dish. Here are some variations and tips to make it even better:
Variations:
Spicy Kick: Add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Herbed Up: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh flavor.
Nutty Flavor: Replace the chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile.
Sweet and Savory: Incorporate a small amount of finely chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto for a sweet and savory blend.
Fruit Blend: Use crushed mango or peach instead of pineapple for a different fruit flavor.
Tips:
Chill Thoroughly: Ensure you chill the cheeseball for several hours or overnight to help it firm up and allow the flavors to meld.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For easier mixing and a smoother texture, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature before starting.
Blend Ingredients Well: Make sure to mix the pineapple thoroughly with the cheese mixture to ensure even flavor distribution.
Coating: For a more visually appealing cheeseball, roll it in finely chopped nuts or fresh herbs before serving.
Serving: Serve with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or even slices of baguette for a well-rounded appetizer.
Feel free to adjust based on your preferences and enjoy your cheeseball creation!
To store a Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball properly, follow these guidelines:
Refrigeration: Keep the cheeseball in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator.
It should stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days.
Freezing: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cheeseball.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Avoid Excess Moisture: Make sure the cheeseball is well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
Serving Tips: If frozen, let the cheeseball sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and become easier to spread or dip.
The Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball is a sweet and savory appetizer often made with cream cheese, pineapple, green bell pepper, onion, and pecans or walnuts, and is typically served with crackers. Here’s a general nutritional overview for one serving (about 2 tablespoons) based on common ingredients:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Total Fat: 8-10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 20-25 mg
- Sodium: 100-150 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5-7 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 g
- Sugars: 4-6 g
- Protein: 1-2 g
Key Points
High in Fat: Primarily from the cream cheese and nuts.
Moderate Sugar Content: Due to the addition of pineapple.
Relatively Low Protein: Since it’s mostly cream cheese-based.
These values can vary depending on the specific recipe, portion size, and whether additional ingredients are included, like different types of nuts or more fruit.
If you have a specific recipe, I can give you a more accurate breakdown!