If you're looking for a unique and mouthwatering appetizer that will leave your guests asking for the recipe, look no further than the Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball. This creamy, tangy, and sweet cheeseball combines the rich texture of cream cheese with the refreshing pineapple flavor, the crunch of chopped green onions and green peppers, and the irresistible crunch of chopped pecans. A combination that will delight everyone at your next gathering, no matter the occasion.

This dish has been a family favorite for generations, passed down by a dear friend who learned it from his mother. She used to make it for special occasions, and it became one of their most beloved dishes. When she passed on, he wanted to carry on her legacy by sharing this recipe, and now it’s become a regular at our parties, family dinners, and gatherings with friends.

 

 

Ingredients

• 2 packages (16 oz total) softened cream cheese (room temperature)

• 1 can (about 8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained very well

• ½ cup chopped green onions

• ½ cup chopped green pepper

• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt

• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

• 2 cups pecans, finely chopped

• Assorted crackers (for serving)

 

 

How to Make Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball

This Pineapple Cheeseball is incredibly easy to make, and it only requires a few steps to prepare. Here’s how to whip up this delectable appetizer:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese: Start by placing your cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. If you’re looking for a smoother consistency, feel free to beat for a little longer.

2. Add the Vegetables: Once your cream cheese is smooth, gently fold in the chopped green onions and green pepper. This adds a savory bite and texture to the cheeseball, giving it an extra kick.

3. Season the Cheeseball: Add the seasoning salt and lemon pepper seasoning to your mixture. These seasonings will give the cheeseball its zesty and flavorful base. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Incorporate the Pineapple: Add the drained crushed pineapple into the mixture. It’s very important to drain the pineapple thoroughly so your cheeseball doesn’t become too watery. The pineapple gives this dish its unique sweet flavor and balances perfectly with the savory seasonings.

5. Add Pecans: Once the mixture is ready, fold in about ½ cup of the chopped pecans. The nuts give the cheeseball a satisfying crunch and complement the creaminess of the cheese.

6. Shape the Cheeseball: Place the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, and use the wrap to roll and shape the mixture into a ball. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped and shaped neatly to hold together well.

7. Chill: Refrigerate the cheeseball overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives it the perfect texture when you serve it.

8. Coat with Pecans: Just before serving, take the cheeseball out of the fridge and roll it in the remaining chopped pecans. This step adds a beautiful and crunchy coating, making it look even more appetizing.

9. Serve: Place the cheeseball onto a serving plate and surround it with assorted crackers. This makes for a fantastic centerpiece at any gathering, perfect for guests to dip into and enjoy.

 

 

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Cheeseball

• Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for preparing in advance, as it needs to be chilled overnight for the best flavor and consistency.

• Flavor Variations: You can adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.

• Texture Tip: If you want a smoother cheeseball, feel free to use a food processor to blend the cream cheese and pineapple together before mixing in the other ingredients.

• Pecans Substitute: If you don’t have pecans, feel free to use walnuts or almonds as an alternative. They’ll give the cheeseball a slightly different texture but will still work great with the other ingredients.

 

Calories and Nutritional Information

Each serving of the Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball (approximately 2 tablespoons) contains about 120-140 calories. However, the number of calories may vary depending on the type of crackers used for serving and how much cheese is consumed. While this is a great appetizer or party food, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes due to its rich and creamy nature.

 

Ideal for Occasions

This pineapple cheeseball is ideal for various occasions, including:

• Holiday Gatherings: Serve it at Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving for a tasty addition to the appetizer spread.

• Game Nights: Perfect for serving with a variety of snacks during your next game night with friends.

• Casual Dinners: Pair it with crackers and enjoy it on a cozy weeknight when you don’t feel like preparing a full meal.

• Potlucks and Parties: Bring it to your next family gathering or potluck and watch it disappear in minutes.

 

Benefits and Caution

This dish has some great benefits, especially for those looking to indulge in a rich and satisfying treat. However, if you’re watching your calorie intake or have dietary restrictions, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients.

• Ideal For: This dish is great for individuals who are looking for a savory, indulgent appetizer. It’s ideal for those who love cheese-based dishes and the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese and pineapple. It's also perfect for a gluten-free lifestyle if paired with gluten-free crackers.

• Caution For: Due to the high-fat content from the cream cheese and pecans, those on a low-fat or heart-healthy diet may want to limit their intake. Additionally, if you're managing diabetes, this dish may not be ideal due to the sugar from the pineapple and the richness of the cream cheese.

 

Saving Energy Tips

If you're preparing this cheeseball for a large crowd, consider using a slow cooker for other parts of the meal (like soups or stews) to save energy in the kitchen. Using energy-efficient cooking methods like the instant pot or a microwave (for heating up sides or other snacks) will ensure you're not overworking your stovetop or oven.

 

Conclusion

The Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball is an irresistible treat that combines the best of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for any gathering, from casual game nights to grand holiday parties. With minimal ingredients and a few easy steps, this dish will quickly become a family favorite, just as it has in my own. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversations, brings people together, and leaves everyone asking for more.

Enjoy this recipe at your next gathering or celebration, and let it add a touch of warmth and joy to your culinary repertoire!