Amazing Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe!

Alright, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share one of my absolute favorite creations that turns any gathering into a flavor party.

I’m talking about a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once.

Get ready for my pineapple pecan cheese ball recipe!

I’ll never forget the first time I brought this pineapple pecan cheese ball to a game night.

My friends practically dove for it. Eyes widened, happy noises erupted, and someone even did a little dance. It was a hit!

What thrilled me most was seeing everyone – even the picky eaters – completely devouring it.

It was that moment I knew I needed to share this pineapple pecan cheese ball with the world!

This isn’t just any appetizer; it’s a conversation starter, a smile inducer, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s a dish that transforms ordinary meals into something truly special.

I am so excited to share this pineapple pecan cheese ball with you! Get ready for some delicious magic!

Come join me in my kitchen, and let’s make some memories together.

INGREDIENTS You Need

This pineapple pecan cheese ball ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! This pineapple pecan cheese spread is where it starts!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the base of our creamy dream.
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained: Adds that signature sweetness and tang.
  • ½ cup chopped pecans: For that irresistible nutty crunch.
  • ¼ cup brown sugar: A touch of molasses-y sweetness that complements the pineapple perfectly.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Adds a savory pop of freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder: It’s like garlic powder’s best friend.
  • Pinch of salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness.
  • Crackers, pretzels, or veggies for serving: Your dipping vessels of choice!

Ingredients for pineapple pecan cheese ball: cream cheese, pineapple, pecans, brown sugar, chives, and spices.

No worries if you don’t have fresh chives. I use dried chives all the time in my pineapple pecan cheese ball. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried.

You can grab all of this during your normal shopping trip. Nothing fancy or hard-to-find here!

This pineapple pecan cheese ball gets its amazing taste from the combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and savory spices. It’s a party in your mouth!

Here’s my pineapple pecan cheese ball secret that takes it from good to incredible: Toast the pecans lightly before chopping them. It brings out their nutty flavor even more!

For busy weeknights, I like to prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the pecans, drain the pineapple, and measure out the spices. Store them in separate containers, and you’ll be ready to go when it’s cheese ball time.

To keep your cream cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pineapple should also be refrigerated after opening.

I love adding extra chives to my pineapple pecan cheese ball for that extra kick of freshness!

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and make some delicious magic happen! This is going to be amazing, I promise. The best appetizer cheese ball you’ll ever have!

  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This is important to make sure there are no lumps!
  • Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, brown sugar, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the bowl.
  • Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, or the cheese ball will become too soft.

This is where the magic starts happening! The combination of sweet pineapple and savory spices is just divine.

  • Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap.
  • Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap the plastic wrap tightly around the cheese ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

In my kitchen, this pineapple pecan cheese ball usually takes about 2-3 hours to firm up in the fridge. But overnight is even better!

  • Before serving, remove the pineapple pecan cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it.

This is my favorite part of making pineapple pecan cheese ball – watch the magic happen!

  • Place the chopped pecans in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, making sure it’s completely coated.

Don’t worry if your pineapple pecan cheese ball looks a little messy at this point. The pecans will cover everything up!

  • Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or veggies.

While your pineapple pecan cheese ball is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!

This pineapple pecan cheese ball is so easy to make, and it’s always a hit at parties. It will easily become the best holiday cheese ball you’ve ever made!

I’ve even made a similar recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls. They are perfect for the fall and winter season. Make sure to check them out.

The best tip I can give you is to taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to your liking.

This pineapple pecan cheese ball reminds me of another bold flavor favorite. Try my Bacon Jalapeno Cream Cheese Balls for a spicy kick!

This pineapple pecan cheese ball is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this pineapple pecan cheese ball hits the table with a variety of dippers.

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

  • Crackers: Ritz crackers are a classic choice, but any cracker will do.
  • Pretzels: The salty pretzels are the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cheese ball.
  • Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices are all great options for a healthier snack.
  • Fruit: Apple slices and grapes also pair well with the pineapple pecan cheese ball.

For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this cheese ball with some spicy mustard.

This pineapple pecan cheese ball is perfect for game nights, potlucks, holiday parties, or any other occasion where you want to impress your guests.

For a wow-factor presentation, place the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by your favorite dippers. Garnish with some fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.

If you have any leftover pineapple pecan cheese ball (which is unlikely!), you can use it as a spread on sandwiches or bagels.

I’ve also experimented with adding a touch of shredded cheddar cheese to the cheese ball mixture. It adds a nice savory flavor.

I love watching people’s reactions when they try this pineapple pecan cheese ball for the first time. Their eyes light up, and they always ask for the recipe!

If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars. It’s another one of my bold flavor experiments that’s a definite weeknight winner!

For even more ideas, check out this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe – Granny’s in the Kitchen for even more tips and variations.

FAQs:

Here are some frequently asked questions about my pineapple pecan cheese ball recipe:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this pineapple pecan cheese ball?

Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to follow, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be a cheese ball pro in no time!

Can I make this pineapple pecan cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making it at least 2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. You can even make it the day before and store it in the refrigerator.

What if I mess up my pineapple pecan cheese ball? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Don’t worry about messing up! Even if your cheese ball isn’t perfectly shaped or the pecans don’t stick perfectly, it will still taste amazing. It’s all about the flavor, not the presentation.

How can I prep this pineapple pecan cheese ball for busy weeknights?

As I mentioned earlier, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the pecans, draining the pineapple, and measuring out the spices. Store them in separate containers, and you’ll be ready to go when it’s cheese ball time.

Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?

Yes, you can substitute the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or any other nut you like. Just make sure to chop them finely.

Is there anything else I can roll the cheese ball in besides pecans?

Yes, you can roll the cheese ball in chopped fresh herbs, crushed crackers, or even bacon bits!

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar. Just add a teaspoon of molasses to the sugar to give it that brown sugar flavor.

I’ve experimented with adding a touch of hot sauce to the cheese ball mixture for a spicy kick. My family loved it!

Also, take a look at this recipe for a Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball | Stephie Cooks, for more tips and inspiration.

CONCLUSION:

This pineapple pecan cheese ball brings me so much joy because it’s a simple dish that always makes people happy. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

My pineapple pecan cheese ball Flavor Secrets:

  1. Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds another layer of deliciousness to the cheese ball.
  2. Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add your own personal touch to the cheese ball by adding different spices, herbs, or cheeses.
  3. Make it ahead of time: Making the cheese ball ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more delicious.

I’ve tested a few different pineapple pecan cheese ball variations, including a spicy version with hot sauce, a smoky version with bacon bits, and a cheesy version with shredded cheddar cheese.

The spicy version is perfect for game nights, the smoky version is great for barbecues, and the cheesy version is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Finished pineapple pecan cheese ball coated in pecans and ready to serve.

This pineapple pecan cheese ball really shines when using the freshest ingredients.

Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! There are no rules when it comes to comfort food.

I’m so excited for you to try this pineapple pecan cheese ball recipe! I know you’re going to love it.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy appetizer. Happy cooking!

 
Print

pineapple pecan cheese ball

This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a sweet and savory appetizer perfect for parties. Cream cheese, pineapple, and pecans combine for a flavorful and festive treat.

  • Author: Nyla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 195 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 ounces crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra pecans for coating
  • Crackers or pretzels for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a ball.
  6. Spread extra chopped pecans on a plate.
  7. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to coat evenly.
  8. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pecans to adhere.
  9. Serve the Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball with crackers or pretzels.

Notes

For a sweeter cheese ball, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the mixture. You can also use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for coating.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!