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–+ servings
Front view of a pineapple cheese ball on a platter with crackers.
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Pineapple Cheese Ball

This sweet, salty and savory cheese ball is an easy and delicious appetizer perfect for ANY occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese softened
  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple *very well drained
  • 1 ⅔ cups chopped pecans divided - reserve ⅔ cup for coating
  • ¼ cup minced green bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced yellow onion
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder more or less, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt more or less, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

Instructions

  • Stir together softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, 1 cup of chopped pecans, green bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic powder and salt in a large bowl.
  • Transfer mixture to a serving plate and form into a ball.  Coat with remaining ⅔ cup of chopped pecans.
  • Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle with parsley when serving, if desired. Serve with crackers or pretzels.

Notes

  • *It's very important to drain the pineapple as much as possible to prevent the cheese ball from being watery.
  • Make Ahead Instructions:
    • Refrigerator:  Prepare as directed except do not coat with pecans.  Wrap securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.  Coat with pecans just before serving.
    • Freezer:  Wrap fully prepared cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.  Freeze for up to 1 month.  Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.