Description
This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer featuring a creamy blend of softened cream cheese combined with sweet crushed pineapple, fresh green pepper, and green onions. Seasoned with lemon-pepper and seasoned salt, the mixture is gently folded with chopped pecans, shaped into a ball, chilled overnight, and then coated with more pecans before serving. Perfectly paired with assorted crackers, it offers a delicious combination of creamy, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- Assorted crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add the well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped green pepper, chopped green onions, lemon-pepper seasoning, and seasoned salt. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Pecans: Gently fold 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans into the cheese mixture, distributing them uniformly without breaking the texture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or a spatula, form the cheese mixture into a ball shape. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This chilling process allows the flavors to blend and helps the cheese firm up.
- Coat with Pecans: Before serving, spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans on a flat surface. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pecans, pressing gently to adhere the nuts onto the surface evenly.
- Serve: Place the pecan-coated cheese ball on a serving platter. Arrange an assortment of crackers around it for dipping and enjoy this flavorful appetizer with your guests.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture that could make the cheese ball soft.
- Chilling overnight is key for the cheese ball to firm properly and for flavors to meld.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred, though pecans provide a classic flavor.
- For added color and flavor, consider mixing in finely chopped red bell pepper or a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- This cheese ball can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
