Pineapple cheese ball is a vintage recipe from my childhood. Whenever we would have a holiday party or needed a cheese ball for a special occasion my mom would make this pineapple cheese ball recipe.
The combination of the sweet pineapple and the tang of the green pepper is an unexpectedly delightful combination. Balanced out with seasoned salt and my favorite, pecans! Pecans always meant the holidays for my family. If you are not a fan of pecans you can always substitute in chopped walnuts. Just be sure to toast the walnuts in a dry pan, just like you do the pecans.
Pineapple Cheese Ball Ingredients:
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Notes on the ingredients
- cream cheese- I use whole fat cream cheese. It is the holidays! Go full flavor.
- seasoned salt - not to be confused with season-all. Two different spice blends.
- pecans, toasted and finely chopped - PLEASE toast the pecans. You will thank you.
How Can I Make This Cheese Ball Spicy?
- Add jalapeños: You can finely chop some fresh jalapeño peppers (seeds and membranes removed) and mix them into the cheese ball along with the other ingredients. Start with half a pepper and add more according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Cayenne pepper: Add ¼ teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before shaping it into a ball. This will give it a nice kick of heat.
- Add hot sauce: Mix in your favorite hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Sriracha) to the cheese ball mixture for added spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture before forming it into a ball for some extra heat.
- Try chipotle powder: Chipotle powder is made from smoked jalapeño peppers and adds both smoky flavor and heat to dishes. Adding it to the pineapple cheeseball can give it an extra depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
If you love pineapple in your holiday spread, my pineapple casserole recipe is another one worth putting on the table.
Remember that when adding any type of spice, start with small amounts and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of spiciness, as some people have a lower tolerance for spicy food than others.
How to make a pineapple Hawaiian cheese ball with pecans:
- Drain the pineapple.
- Warm pecans in a dry pan until they become fragrant. Chop and measure out 1 ½ cups.
- While the pecans cool, finely dice the onion and the green pepper.
- In a mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, cream together the cream cheese and the seasoned salt.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the drained pineapple, onions, peppers, and 1 cup of the toasted, cooled pecans.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, forming a ball.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
- Unwrap the cheeseball and press the pecans onto the outside of the cheeseball.
- Serve with crackers.
Can a pineapple cheese ball be frozen?
It's worth noting that freezing may affect the texture of the pineapple cheese ball slightly, but if stored properly, it should still taste delicious! The texture may be a bit more grainy in texture and more apt to crumble. If you do decide to freeze a pineapple cheese ball, it's best not to add the pecans onto the outside of the cheese ball before freezing it. If you find yourself needing to freeze the cheeseball, for whatever reason, here are some tips to help you have freezer success:
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped cheese ball in an airtight container or freezer-safe ziplock bag.
- Label each packet with the date and contents, so you know what it is and when you made it.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to serve again, remove the pineapple cheese ball from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans if desired before serving.
Top Tip
- make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature
- press on the crushed pineapple to remove as much moisture as possible
How Many Appetizers Per Person?
Use my guide will help you nail the numbers every time.
Chef Tips
- toast the pecans in a dry pan for the best flavor
- chill the cheeseball in the refrigerator for at least an hour before pressing the chopped pecans on the outside
Ingredients
- 2 packages Cream Cheese 8 ounce each
- 1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple drained
- 2 Teaspoons onions chopped
- ½ Cup green pepper chopped
- 1-2 Teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 ½ Cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple.1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple
- Warm pecans in a dry pan until they become fragrant. Chop and measure out 1 ½ cups.1 ½ Cup pecans
- While the pecans cool, finely dice the onion and the green pepper.2 Teaspoons onions, ½ Cup green pepper
- In a mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, cream together the cream cheese and the seasoned salt.2 packages Cream Cheese, 1-2 Teaspoon seasoned salt
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the drained pineapple, onions, green peppers, and 1 cup of the toasted, cooled pecans.1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple
- Wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap, forming a ball.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
- Un wrap the cheeseball and press the pecans onto the outside of the cheeseball.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Nutrition
Notes
- make sure the cream cheese is room temperature
- press on the crushed pineapple to remove as much moisture as possible
- toast the pecans in a dry pan for the best flavor
- chill the cheeseball in the refrigerator for at least an hour before pressing the chopped pecans on the outside
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 15 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Wanda says
What size can pineapple? Size of a tuna can?
Sarah Mock says
I use a 8 ounce can of crushed pineapple. Be sure to drain it WELL.
Mildred L. says
My mother and I made these cheese balls for many years. Our favorite all time recipe.
Sarah Mock says
Isn't it delicious!!! I need to remember to make it other times than the holidays. Thanks for the comment Mildred, It means so much!
Sarah
candy says
do you have to put onion and bell pepper in this?
Sarah Mock says
not at all! I include them because that is part of the traditional recipe. But as a child I would ask my mom to make it without the green pepper. Make it how you like it.... The flavor will be different but if you don't like onion and green peppers.... you might like it better.
Sarah
Joan says
No directions on when to add pineapple. I am a cook and can figure it out but many need very specific directions. This stuff needs to be checked prior to posting.
Sarah Mock says
Joan,
Thank you SO MUCH! This recipe has been up for a few years and no one has ever pointed this error out to me! I appreciate you taking the time. I will fix it today.
Thanks!
Sarah