A Pineapple Cheese Ball is a sweet and savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties or holidays. It combines cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and a variety of seasonings, then is rolled in chopped nuts for a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (optional, for a savory note)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for rolling the ball)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for a hint of savory flavor)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
-
Add the pineapple and other ingredients:
- Stir in the drained crushed pineapple (make sure to press out as much liquid as possible to avoid a soggy cheese ball).
- If you’re using, add the vanilla extract and garlic powder, then mix in the chopped green onions for a savory touch, if desired.
-
Form the cheese ball:
- Once the mixture is well combined, scoop it out and form it into a ball. You can cover the mixture with plastic wrap to make shaping easier.
-
Coat the cheese ball:
- In a shallow dish, place the chopped nuts. Roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing lightly to ensure they stick. Coat the ball completely.
-
Chill:
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up.
-
Serve:
- Serve with crackers, sliced fruit, or even vegetable sticks for dipping.
This cheese ball has a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the nuts give it a great crunch. You can customize it by using different types of nuts or adding additional spices like cinnamon or allspice for a unique twist.
Would you like more variations or ideas for serving it?