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.