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Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

A **Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** is a classic crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something simple yet flavorful. The combination of cream cheese, sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and the savory kick from green onions and seasonings creates a delectable appetizer that everyone will love. Whether it's served alongside an assortment of crackers or vegetables, this cheese ball has the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Bigzazoo’s recipe takes it up a notch with the delightful addition of lemon-pepper seasoning and green pepper, making it a unique and irresistible dish.
Prep Time15 minutes
chill time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Yield: 6

Equipment

  • - Mixing bowl
  • - Spatula or hand mixer
  • - Plastic wrap
  • - Serving platter

Materials

  • - **2 packages 8 oz each cream cheese, softened:** The base of the cheese ball, bringing creamy richness to the dish.
  • - **1 can 8 oz crushed pineapple, well drained:** Adds a hint of sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
  • - **1/2 cup chopped green pepper:** Adds a fresh mild crunch and savory notes.
  • - **1/2 cup chopped green onions:** Gives a slight oniony sharpness to balance the other flavors.
  • - **1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning:** Provides a tangy zesty punch.
  • - **1 teaspoon seasoned salt:** Enhances the overall flavor with a balanced salty note.
  • - **2 cups chopped pecans divided:** Adds nutty crunch both inside the cheese ball and as a coating.
  • - **Assorted crackers for serving:** The perfect pairing to enjoy with your cheese ball.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This will make it easier to mix in the other ingredients. Once the cream cheese is softened and ready, add the well-drained crushed pineapple, green pepper, green onions, lemon-pepper seasoning, and seasoned salt. Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be smooth, with bits of green pepper and onion scattered throughout.

Step 2: Add Pecans

  • Now it’s time to add some crunch to the cheese ball. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans into the cheese mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout. The pecans provide texture and a nutty flavor that complements the cream cheese and pineapple.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball

  • Using your hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a ball shape. If you find it too sticky to handle, you can lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil or butter. Once shaped, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This chilling process helps the cheese ball firm up and allows the flavors to meld together, making it easier to coat with pecans and serve.

Step 4: Coat with Pecans

  • When you’re ready to serve the cheese ball, it’s time to give it its final touch. Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans on a flat surface. Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the pecans, pressing lightly to ensure the entire ball is evenly coated. The pecans will stick to the chilled cheese ball and create a crunchy, delicious outer layer.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Place your pecan-coated cheese ball on a serving platter and surround it with an assortment of crackers. The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with the crispness of crackers, making each bite a delightful experience. Be sure to provide a cheese spreader or small knife so guests can easily serve themselves.