Pineapple Cheese Ball

This retro pineapple cheese ball is full of sweet and savory flavors like green onion, pineapple, red bell pepper, seasoned cream cheese, and chopped pecans.

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About Pineapple Cheese Ball

I love serving up unique flavor combinations, and one of the best (and easiest!) ways to do that is by mixing up sweet and savory tastes.

And that’s exactly what this pineapple cheese ball does, in all its retro-style glory. The sweetness of the pineapple reacts with the cream cheese, peppers, and onions in all the best ways, giving you a fun dip to serve and enjoy on any occasion.

What’s in a pineapple cheese ball?

In order to whip up your own classic retro appetizer, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese – Makes up the base of the cheese ball, giving it a lightly tart taste, texture, and holding everything together.
• Crushed pineapple – The star of the show! Adds a light and tart sweetness.
• Red bell pepper and green onion – Adds some color, crunch, and a counter flavor to the pineapple.
• Seasoned salt – A simple seasoning blend to add some flavor.
• Chopped pecans – Used for covering the outside of the cheese ball, giving it some crunch and making it easy to handle.

What does a pineapple cheese ball taste like?

If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors, then you’re in luck – that’s exactly what this cheese ball tastes like.

The tart cream cheese is tamed by the sweetness in the pineapple, and that sweet flavor is kept in check by the fresh green onion and red bell pepper. Putting it all together, it creates a really tasty balance.

What can you serve with a cheese ball?

When it comes to cheese balls, there are so many fun options for dipping! I tend to think a good, firm cracker works best for cheese balls, but you could use a variety of firm veggies or baked bread as well.

Try any (or many) of the options below and see which you like best:

• Pita chips
• Ritz crackers
• Saltine crackers
• Wheat thins
• Crispy baked bread
• Sliced cucumbers
• Pretzels
• Celery sticks
• Carrots, large sliced or baby
• Tortilla chips
• Sliced squash
• Sliced zucchini

Can you make a cheese ball in advance?

Yes, you totally can make a cheese ball in advance! In fact, they’re ideal for prepping ahead.

Just follow the recipe directions as written, but once the cheese ball is prepared, you can either wrap it again in plastic wrap (highly recommend, so the coating stays on) or you can store the cheese ball in a sealed container.

Once stored in the refrigerator, a cheese ball will remain good for two to three days.

Can you freeze a cheese ball?

Yes, you totally can!

To freeze, just wrap the prepared cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. The cheese ball should remain good for one to two months.

When ready to eat, just allow the cheese ball to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How long can you leave out a cheese ball?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone”, this is usually at or just above room temperature. This cheese ball will still be a little chilled when served, and this should give you an extra 30 minutes beyond the two-hour window, depending on the temperature of the room and how long ago the cheese ball left the refrigerator.

As the party goes on, you can return the cheese ball to the refrigerator once you get past the two-hour mark. If your guests still want more dip, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Notes & tips for this simple cheese ball recipe

• For preparing and storing a cheese ball, make sure you have some plastic wrap on hand. It makes a huge difference!

More great tasty dips

How to make a cheese ball with pineapple

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl) whip the cream cheese until soft and pliable. The softer and fluffier it gets at this stage, the better.

Step 2 – Turn off the mixer, then toss in the following ingredients: shredded pineapple (make sure it’s very drained), green onion, red bell pepper, and seasoned salt. Use a spatula to gently fold all of the ingredients together, making sure to scrape around the sides of the bowl.

Step 3 – Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap, then scoop the cheese ball mixture into the center. Lift up the sides of the plastic wrap and thoroughly wrap and cover the mixture, forming it into a ball.

Step 4 – Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Step 5 – On a clean work surface, spread out the chopped pecans. Unwrap the cheese ball and place on top of the pecans, then use your hands to cover and press the pecans into the outside of the cheese ball.

Step 6 – Place on a serving plate with crackers and enjoy!