DELICIOUS PINEAPPLE CHEESEBALL

Delicious Pineapple Cheeseball Recipe

This Pineapple Cheeseball is a sweet, creamy, and tangy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together. It’s a simple, no-bake recipe that combines cream cheese, pineapple, and chopped pecans, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crackers, fruit, or even sliced veggies for a fun and festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 small can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained very well
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for a savory contrast)
• Additional chopped pecans for rolling the cheeseball (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pineapple:

• Open the can of crushed pineapple and drain it very well. You can place the pineapple in a fine mesh sieve and press it with the back of a spoon to remove excess juice. This is important so the cheeseball doesn’t become too runny.

2. Mix the Cheeseball Filling:

• In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the drained pineapple, vanilla extract, and brown sugar (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
• Fold in the finely chopped pecans (or walnuts). You can also add green onions at this point if you want a slight savory contrast, though it’s entirely optional.

3. Shape the Cheeseball:

• Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape. You can do this by rolling it into a smooth, round shape or into a mound.
• If the mixture is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping.

4. Roll in Chopped Pecans:

• Place the remaining chopped pecans on a large plate. Gently roll the shaped cheeseball in the nuts to coat the outside evenly. This gives the cheeseball a nice texture and appearance.

5. Chill the Cheeseball:

• Once shaped and coated, wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. You can also make this a day ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.

6. Serve:

• When ready to serve, remove the cheeseball from the fridge and place it on a serving platter. Serve with crackers, pretzels, sliced fruit (like apples or pears), or vegetables like celery or carrots.

Tips and Variations:

• Flavor Variations: Add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a hint of spice. You can also stir in a small amount of chopped dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
• Make it Savory: For a savory twist, skip the brown sugar and add garlic powder or onion powder to the cream cheese mixture, then coat it with chopped nuts and serve with crackers or veggie sticks.
• Shape Options: Instead of a ball, you can form the mixture into a log for a different presentation, or use a silicone mold to shape it.
• Low-fat Version: You can substitute the cream cheese with a low-fat or fat-free version, but be aware it might change the texture slightly.

This Delicious Pineapple Cheeseball is an easy, flavorful, and impressive appetizer that’s sure to be the star of your next gathering. It’s sweet, creamy, and the perfect combination of textures, making it an irresistible treat for guests of all ages!