Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball Recipe – A Sweet & Savory Party Favorite
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, potluck, or holiday party? This Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. It’s a no-bake appetizer that comes together in minutes and disappears even faster.
Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, planning a summer BBQ, or prepping for game day, this easy cheeseball with crushed pineapple and cream cheese is a must-try. Best of all? It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and looks stunning on a charcuterie board!
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (reserve half for coating)
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
How to Make a Pineapple Cheeseball:
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
Start by draining the crushed pineapple thoroughly. You want to squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid a soggy cheeseball. Chop the bell pepper, onion, and nuts finely.
2. Mix the Cheeseball Base:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the drained pineapple, chopped bell pepper, red onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined.
Pro Tip: You can add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a slightly sweeter, more balanced flavor.
3. Add the Nuts:
Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the mixture. The other half will be used to coat the outside later.
4. Shape the Ball:
Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This helps the flavors meld and the ball firm up.
5. Coat and Serve:
Once chilled and firm, remove the plastic wrap and roll the cheeseball in the remaining chopped nuts to coat evenly. Place on a serving plate and serve with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can make the cheeseball up to 48 hours in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cream cheese can become grainy after thawing.
What to Serve With a Pineapple Cheeseball:
- Buttery Ritz crackers
- Whole wheat or multigrain crackers
- Sliced celery, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks
- Pretzel rods or pita chips
- Thin apple slices for a sweet contrast
Variations & Customizations:
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in some shredded coconut or diced dried mango for a more exotic flavor.
- Meaty Upgrade: Fold in diced cooked ham or bacon bits for a hearty version.
- Herbed Delight: Add a handful of chopped parsley, dill, or green onions for a fresh, herbal note.
When to Serve This Cheeseball:
- Holiday parties (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving)
- Baby showers or bridal showers
- Office potlucks and family reunions
- Game nights or Netflix binge sessions
- Any time you want to wow guests with minimal effort