This Pineapple Cheese Ball is a fun and tasty treat! Made with creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, and crunchy nuts, it’s perfect for parties or snack time.
Who wouldn’t want a cheese ball that’s both sweet and tangy? I love serving it with crackers, but be careful—it goes fast, so grab a bite before it’s all gone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A fresh pineapple is perfect for this recipe, adding natural sweetness and a beautiful presentation. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple can work, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing. For a lighter version, you could substitute with Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar taste but less fat.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. If you want to switch it up, try gouda or pepper jack for a little kick!
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts give crunch. If nut allergies are a concern, use sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. You can still enjoy a delicious cheese ball!
How Do I Prepare the Pineapple for Serving?
Getting the pineapple ready for your cheese ball can seem tricky, but it’s straightforward! First, cut off the top with leaves to create a nice opening. Then, carefully slice around the edges to carve out the flesh. Here’s how:
- Start cutting just inside the skin, using a small knife to avoid breaking through the shell.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh further, making sure to leave enough shell for presentation—about 1/2 inch thick works well.
- Don’t toss the flesh! Chop it up to mix into your cheese ball for added flavor.
Remember, patting the shell dry after carving helps keep the presentation looking nice! Enjoy the process; it’s all about having fun in the kitchen.
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese Ball:
- 1 whole fresh pineapple, peeled and cored (use the shell intact for serving)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Coating:
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- Fresh chives or scallions, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Assorted crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. The chilling helps the flavors combine beautifully, making a delicious appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by carefully carving out the flesh of the pineapple. Make sure to leave about a 1/2 inch thick shell intact so that it creates a nice “bowl” for your cheese ball. Reserve both the flesh and the empty shell. Pat the pineapple shell dry with a paper towel and place it on a serving platter. This will be your beautiful serving dish!
2. Chop the Reserved Pineapple:
Take the reserved pineapple flesh and chop it into small pieces. If you’re using canned crushed pineapple, make sure to drain it really well so it doesn’t add too much moisture to your cheese ball.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, drained crushed pineapple, finely chopped scallions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
4. Incorporate Fresh Pineapple:
Gently fold the chopped fresh pineapple flesh into the cheese mixture, being careful not to break it up too much. You want those delicious chunks to remain intact!
5. Fill the Pineapple Shell:
Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollow pineapple shell. Pack it tightly and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon to make it look nice. It should fill the shell completely!
6. Coat with Nuts:
Press the chopped toasted pecans or walnuts onto the outer surface of the cheese ball. Make sure to coat it evenly, so each bite has a nice crunch.
7. Garnish:
Add a colorful touch by garnishing the top of the cheese ball with chopped fresh chives or scallions.
8. Chill the Cheese Ball:
Cover the pineapple cheese ball with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, place the pineapple cheese ball on your favorite serving platter or board, surrounded by assorted crackers. It’s ready for your guests to dig in and enjoy!
Gather everyone around to try this delightful combo of creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, and crunchy nuts. It’s always a hit! Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh pineapple isn’t available, using canned pineapple works just fine. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your cheese ball mixture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover cheese ball can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness!
Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cheese ball a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to spread.
What Can I Serve with the Pineapple Cheese Ball?
This cheese ball pairs perfectly with an assortment of crackers, but you can also serve it with veggies like celery sticks or bell pepper strips for a crunchy, fresh complement. Enjoy!
