Make this sweet and savory Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball for a creamy, no-bake appetizer perfect for parties and holiday gatherings. This crowd pleaser always disappears fast.
Author:kate
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:2 hr 20 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:No Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, plus 1 cup for coating
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion (optional, for savory flavor)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of salt
Crackers or sturdy chips for serving
Instructions
Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the well-drained crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, green onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and makes shaping easier.
Spread the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans onto a shallow plate or piece of parchment paper.
Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a rubber spatula.
Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until it is completely coated.
Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This step makes it a great make ahead party dip.
When ready to serve, place the cheese ball on a serving platter and surround it with crackers or chips.
Notes
Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple. Press it between several layers of paper towels to remove excess liquid; this prevents the cheese ball from becoming too soft.
For an extra savory twist, you can mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked ham or crumbled cooked bacon with the cheese mixture.
If you are making this ahead of time for a holiday appetizer, keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.