Aunt Annie's Ultimate Cheese Surprise
This delightful cheese ball recipe is a cherished family tradition that has been passed down through generations, originating from my great aunt's beloved kitchen. Revered at every family gathering, Aunt Annie's Ultimate Cheese Surprise combines luscious cream cheese with tangy crushed pineapple and shredded cheddar, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors. Each bite is perfectly complemented by the crunch of pecans, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whenever I prepare this dish, it brings back fond memories of my great aunt smiling in the kitchen, and I hope it brings as much joy to your gatherings as it does to mine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (drained well)
seasoning salt
1 tablespoon (none)
onions
2 tablespoons (minced)
green peppers
2 tablespoons (minced)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
pecans
2 cups (finely chopped, divided)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, seasoning salt, minced onions, minced green peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of the finely chopped pecans.
2
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3
Shape the mixture into two medium-sized balls or one large ball, making sure to pack it tightly for a firm consistency.
4
Wrap the formed cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow it to firm up.
5
Once the cheese ball is chilled and hardened, remove it from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and roll the outer surface in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped pecans until evenly coated.
6
Serve with an assortment of crackers, such as Triscuits and Club crackers, for an irresistible appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aunt Annie's Ultimate Cheese Surprise?
Aunt Annie's Ultimate Cheese Surprise is a cherished family tradition cheese ball recipe made with cream cheese, pineapple, cheddar, and pecans.
What are the main ingredients for this cheese ball?
The main ingredients include cream cheese, crushed pineapple, seasoning salt, minced onions, minced green peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, and pecans.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 16 ounces of cream cheese, and it should be softened before mixing.
How should the pineapple be prepared?
Use one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple and ensure it is drained very well before adding it to the mixture.
What type of cheddar cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How many pecans are required in total?
The recipe requires a total of 2 cups of finely chopped pecans.
How are the pecans divided during preparation?
Use 1/2 cup of the pecans inside the cheese ball mixture and save the remaining 1 1/2 cups to coat the outside.
What seasonings are added to the cheese ball?
The mixture is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt, 2 tablespoons of minced onions, and 2 tablespoons of minced green peppers.
Do I need special equipment to mix the ingredients?
An electric mixer is recommended to blend the ingredients on medium speed until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
How many cheese balls does this recipe make?
You can shape the mixture into one large ball or two medium-sized balls.
Is chilling the cheese ball necessary?
Yes, you should refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
When should I roll the cheese ball in pecans?
Roll the cheese ball in the pecans after it has been chilled and hardened in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with Aunt Annie's Ultimate Cheese Surprise?
It is best served with an assortment of crackers, specifically Triscuits and Club crackers.
What is the texture of the cheese ball?
The interior is smooth and creamy, while the exterior provides a crunchy texture from the chopped pecans.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holidays, and parties.
How should the cheese ball be wrapped for chilling?
Wrap the formed cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper to maintain its shape and consistency.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
While the original recipe uses pecans, you could use walnuts or other nuts if preferred, though the flavor profile will change.
How much seasoning salt should I use?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt.
How should the onions and green peppers be prepared?
Both the onions and green peppers should be minced, using 2 tablespoons of each.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe is a family tradition that originated from the creator's great aunt Annie's kitchen.
Does the recipe use fresh or canned pineapple?
The recipe specifies using one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
How long does it take to prepare?
The mixing is quick, but you must account for at least one hour of refrigeration time.
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, since it needs to chill, it is an excellent make-ahead dish for parties.
What speed should I use on my electric mixer?
Use medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth.
Is the cheese ball firm or soft?
It is soft enough to spread but firm enough to hold its shape after being chilled and packed tightly.
What kind of crackers pair best with the pineapple flavor?
Buttery crackers like Club crackers or salty ones like Triscuits complement the tangy-sweet pineapple well.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
Should the pecans be raw or roasted?
The recipe calls for finely chopped pecans; while raw is standard, roasted pecans can be used for extra depth of flavor.
Is this a savory or sweet dish?
It is a savory appetizer with a hint of tangy sweetness from the pineapple.
What makes this 'Ultimate Cheese Surprise'?
The surprise comes from the unique combination of tangy crushed pineapple and savory seasonings within a traditional cheese ball.