Tropical Pecan Pineapple Cheese Ball
This Tropical Pecan Pineapple Cheese Ball is a delightful party appetizer that marries the sweetness of crushed pineapple with the savory creaminess of cheese. The subtle crunch of finely chopped pecans and the vibrant notes from green bell pepper and onions create a flavor-filled experience that is perfect for any gathering. Prepare this delicious spread in just minutes and let it chill overnight for the best flavor. Serve it with crunchy crackers and watch it become the star of your appetizer table!
8
Servings
230
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (softened)
Crushed Pineapple
1 can (8 ounces) (drained)
Pecans
2 cups (finely chopped, divided into two one-cup portions)
Green Bell Pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Grated Onions
2 tablespoons (or finely chopped green onions)
Seasoning Salt
2 teaspoons (I recommend Lawry's)
Crackers
as needed (of choice for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, green bell pepper, grated onions, and seasoning salt.
2
Using a spatula or a hand mixer, mix all the ingredients until they are well incorporated and form a creamy mixture.
3
Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a spoon, ensuring it is compact.
4
Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and roll it in the reserved 1 cup of pecans until fully coated.
6
Transfer the cheese ball onto a serving plate and serve it with your favorite crackers for an irresistible snack.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
11g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Pecan Pineapple Cheese Ball?
It is a delightful party appetizer that combines softened cream cheese with crushed pineapple, crunchy pecans, green bell peppers, and savory seasonings.
What are the primary ingredients for this cheese ball?
The main ingredients include 16 ounces of cream cheese, 8 ounces of crushed pineapple, 2 cups of pecans, green bell pepper, grated onions, and seasoning salt.
How many pecans do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of finely chopped pecans in total, divided into two separate one-cup portions.
How should the pineapple be prepared?
The crushed pineapple should be thoroughly drained before being mixed with the other ingredients to prevent the cheese ball from being too soft.
What type of seasoning salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using Lawry's Seasoning Salt for the best flavor profile.
Can I use green onions instead of grated onions?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of grated onions with finely chopped green onions.
How long does the cheese ball need to chill?
It is recommended to refrigerate the cheese ball overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
When should I roll the cheese ball in the pecans?
Roll the cheese ball in the reserved 1 cup of pecans once it has finished chilling and just before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What should I serve with this cheese ball?
It is best served with your favorite crunchy crackers.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 230 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 18 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this cheese ball?
Yes, each serving provides about 4 grams of protein.
Can I use a hand mixer to combine the ingredients?
Yes, you can use either a spatula or a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until creamy.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and can be prepared in just a few minutes of active time.
Can this recipe be gluten-free?
The cheese ball itself is made with gluten-free ingredients; simply serve it with gluten-free crackers to keep the entire snack gluten-free.
What flavor profile does this appetizer have?
It features tropical flavors, combining sweetness from the pineapple with savory notes from onions and bell peppers.
How do I shape the mixture into a ball?
You can shape the mixture into a compact ball using your hands or a large spoon.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, the cream cheese must be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
While the recipe calls for green bell pepper, you can substitute it with red bell pepper if you prefer a different color or slightly sweeter taste.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in the refrigerator, ideally covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
How much seasoning salt is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt.
How much green bell pepper is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper.
Can I make this the same day I serve it?
While you can, chilling it overnight is highly recommended for the best flavor and structural integrity.
Is the pineapple crushed or diced?
The recipe specifically requires one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
What is the category of this dish?
It falls under the categories of party appetizers, spreads, and snacks.
Can I substitute pecans with walnuts?
Yes, if you prefer or have an allergy to pecans, finely chopped walnuts can be used as a substitute.
How many ounces of cream cheese are needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of cream cheese, which is typically two standard blocks.
Is this a savory or sweet appetizer?
It is a blend of both, using the natural sweetness of pineapple to complement savory cheese, onions, and seasoning salt.