Description
Creamy pineapple cheese ball delights guests with tropical flavors from Southern kitchens. Smooth cream cheese mingles with crushed pineapple, creating a party-perfect appetizer you’ll crave at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 8 oz (227 g) unsweetened crushed pineapple (thoroughly drained)
- 1.5 cups (180 g) walnuts (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/4 cup (40 g) green pepper (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsps onion (finely chopped)
- Assorted crackers for serving
- Fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Craft the creamy base by combining softened cream cheese with drained crushed pineapple, minced green pepper, finely diced onion, and seasoned salt in a mixing bowl. Whip the ingredients using an electric mixer until smooth and uniform.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and texture to slightly firm up.
- Transfer the chilled mixture onto plastic wrap, using the wrap to shape the mixture into a compact, rounded form. The wrap will help manage the soft consistency and maintain a neat spherical shape.
- Spread chopped walnuts on a flat surface, then carefully roll the cheese mixture, ensuring complete and even nut coverage by gently pressing the nuts into the exterior.
- Wrap the walnut-crusted cheese ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This extended chilling period helps the cheese ball solidify and intensify its flavor profile.
- When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place on a decorative serving platter. Accompany with an array of crisp crackers and fresh vegetable crudités for a delightful appetizer presentation.
Notes
- Draining pineapple thoroughly prevents excess moisture from making the cheese ball soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and consistency.
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature helps create a smoother, more easily blended mixture without lumps.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, which works great for health-conscious guests without compromising flavor.
- Experiment with alternative nut coatings like pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 273 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg