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Pineapple Cheese Ball

A crowd-pleasing sweet and savory appetizer combining creamy cheese, pineapple, green onions, and bell pepper rolled in toasted pecans.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Ball:
  • 2 blocks cream cheese 8 oz each, room temperature
  • 1 can crushed pineapple 8 oz, drained extremely thoroughly
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper finely diced
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Coating:
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans toasted and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
For Serving:
  • Butter crackers or water crackers
  • Sliced baguette rounds
  • Fresh apple slices
  • Celery sticks
  • Sliced pita bread

Method
 

  1. Drain Pineapple: Open the can of crushed pineapple and pour into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Press down firmly with a spoon to force out liquid. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze again until pineapple looks and feels almost dry to the touch.
  2. Toast Pecans: Spread chopped pecans on a dry baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes until fragrant. Remove immediately to cool completely.
  3. Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, thoroughly drained pineapple, diced bell pepper, sliced green onions, seasoned salt, white pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly for 3 minutes until smooth and incorporated.
  4. Shape and Chill: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap flat and scoop mixture into the center. Wrap tightly and shape into a firm ball. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours (or overnight).
  5. Prepare Coating: Mix finely chopped toasted pecans and fresh parsley in a shallow bowl.
  6. Coat Ball: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll firmly through the pecan coating, pressing gently so it sticks to all bare spots.
  7. Final Chill & Serve: Refrigerate coated ball for 30 more minutes. Remove 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with crackers and accompaniments.
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