Pineapple Cheeseball

Ingredients:

For the cheeseball mixture:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3–4 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for flavor and color)

For coating:

• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, or toasted almonds)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for color)

Optional garnish & serving:

• Fresh pineapple slices or chunks
• Extra chopped herbs
• Crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or veggie sticks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
2. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple, red bell pepper, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

2. Form the cheeseball:

1. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap.
2. Shape into a round ball (or oval if you want it pineapple-shaped).
3. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight) so flavors blend and the ball firms up.

3. Coat the cheeseball:

1. In a shallow dish, mix the chopped pecans and parsley.
2. Unwrap the chilled cheeseball and roll it in the nut mixture until evenly coated.

4. Garnish & Serve:

• Place on a serving plate.
• Decorate with fresh pineapple slices or even use a few green leaves (like pineapple top leaves) to make it look like a real pineapple.
• Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra sweetness: Add 2 tablespoons honey into the cream cheese mix.
• For heat: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
• For nut-free version: Roll in shredded cheddar, toasted coconut, or fresh herbs.
• Make mini cheeseballs: Roll into bite-sized balls and coat individually for party platters.

Benefits:

• High in protein & calcium from cream cheese and cheddar.
• Vitamin C boost from pineapple and bell pepper.
• Great party appetizer—feeds a crowd and looks festive.
• Can be made ahead (up to 2 days) for convenience.

Conclusion:

The Pineapple Cheeseball is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s not just delicious—it’s also eye-catching on the table. Whether you shape it into a neat ball or make it look like a pineapple, it’s sure to impress your guests and disappear fast