Description
This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that combines softened cream cheese with well-drained crushed pineapple, green peppers, green onions, and seasonings. Rolled in crunchy chopped pecans, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, making it a delightful party treat to serve with assorted crackers.
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
Pecan Coating
- 2 cups chopped pecans, divided
To Serve
- Assorted crackers
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 all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Pecans: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans into the cheese mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or a spatula, form the cheese mixture into a ball shape. Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cheese mixture to firm up for easier handling.
- 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 carefully roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently so the nuts adhere well to the outside of the cheese ball.
- Serve: Place the pecan-coated cheese ball on a serving platter and surround it with an assortment of crackers. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, creamy appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the cheese ball from becoming too wet.
- Chilling the cheese ball overnight is essential for the flavors to develop and for the mixture to firm up properly.
- For a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds.
- This cheese ball can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.
