If you are looking for an easy, delicious and make-ahead appetizer for your next gathering, look no further because today, I will be sharing my version of the popular pineapple & pecan cheese ball appetizer!
Cheese balls/spreads with crackers are always a great party food because they are simple to make and pretty easy to eat. I think party food should always be easy to eat, because it is hard to enjoy yourself if you are busy trying to peel the shells off shrimp or de-bone buffalo wings. I’ve brought this to two potlucks and both times, it was gobbled right up.
Lindsey, my lovely friend had a graduation party last year and it was so nice to get to know all of her family members; they are so kind. Two of my other good friends, Jamie and Bronwyn (Hello, ladies!!) were also at the party and we all had a great time eating, talking, and eating some more. Grandma Jacobson made a cheese ball that had pineapples and pecans in it. That was the first time I ever had a cheese ball and it was DELICIOUS! I didn’t know the recipe, but I remembered how good it was so I began developing my own version of her cheese ball.
I usually serve this spread with a variety of crackers, but this on a warm slice of toasted pumpernickel bread is FABULOUS as well 🙂
-Chewy
- ½ cup of finely chopped pecans, toasted
- One pkg (240 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½-1 tsp salt
- A dash of garlic powder, black pepper and paprika
- 1-2 stalks of green onion, finely chopped
- ½ stick of celery, finely diced
- 3-4 rings of canned pineapple, well drained and finely chopped or about a ⅓ cup of well drained, crushed pineapple
- Line a soup bowl with plastic wrap and place ¼ cup of the toasted pecans in, spreading them evenly at the bottom of the bowl.
- Mix the cream cheese with the salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
- Add the green onion, celery, the remaining ¼ cup of pecans and pineapple and mix well.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to the bowl, taking care to ensure that you do not lift the pecans from the bottom of the bowl.
- Smooth the top of the cream cheese mixture and cover with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours so the flavors have time to mix and the cheese spread will firm up.
- To serve, remove the plastic wrap cover from the top of the bowl and flip the cream cheese spread onto the desired serving plate. Carefully peel off the remaining plastic wrap and serve the spread alongside crackers, bread or veggies!
It’s not really a party unless there’s a cheese ball, is it? This one sounds like a perfect mix of savoury and sweet. Yum!
I am so intrigued by the sweet and savoury mix of ingredients. Do you think adding some dried cranberries would work? Or would I risk ruining the recipe?
Hi Julia, that would be fabulous! I have added raisins to the mix before and it was pretty good so I’m sure cranberries would make for a tangy and seasonal addition 🙂
I LOVE the combo of soft cheese and fruit. And nuts too? Mmmmmmmm. Sign me up! I’m all for make-ahead appies too — makes entertaining so much easier!
So true! It’s great to have everything all ready for when guests come over 🙂
What perfect timing for this post! I’m throwing my big holiday party this weekend, and one of the things I was really keen on making for my guests was a proper old-school cheeseball. This one sounds absolutely perfect – I love the pineapple, pecan and celery combination, and it looks like this variation would be much easier to prepare than the regular cheese ball. Can’t wait to try this out!
I’d be so happy if you made this for your holiday party! Thanks for your kind words, Isabelle 🙂
You know…a long time ago there was this awesome pineapple cream cheese log that I could get at the grocery store. I haven’t seen it for years…and I loved it. This is going to be a great sub…and I can make it myself…awesome!!
Woohoo! I’m glad that you can make the pineapple cream cheese log at home too 🙂 Thanks Gloria 🙂
Finally! I’ve found someone else who likes the pineapple & cream cheese combo! I usually make a sweet dip with those ingredients, but I like your savoury version. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Shareba, this is definitely a great recipe for the holidays!
I was going to say the same thing that has been said.. I have never seen a recipe like this! What was your inspiration for making this spread? 🙂
My best friend’s Grandmother made this cheese ball for a graduation party and ever since I ate her cheeseball, I’ve been hooked! 🙂
Never had a cheese ball 😉 I would try this version for sure:.cream cheese, pecans, and pineapple…so yummy!
Thank you Nicoletta! It sure is tasty!
What an interesting spin on a cheese ball! I’ve been craving some more tropical flavours lately — thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
No problem Justine ? the sweet and savoury combo is great!
Whaaaaa!? THIS LOOKS AMAZING! I love spreading creamy goodness on a crispy bread or cracker. This recipe needs to be in my life.
Hey Dana, thanks for your compliment! 🙂 it definitely is tasty ?
have never seen a sip like this! Pecans are soooo good.
I love pecans too 🙂
This looks perfect! I love stuff like this. Can’t wait to try!
Thanks Annie 🙂 If you do try it out, I would love to hear how it was! <3
This looks and sounds so yummy!! I also love how simple it is to make 🙂
Oh yeah, simple recipes are my favorite type of recipes 😀
Yum,yum, yum! Sounds awesome!
Thanks Amanda! 🙂
This cheese ball sounds delicious! I like the sweetness the pineapple brings to the savory dish. Yum!
Aw thank you 🙂 Yes, the pineapple definitely adds a sweet element that makes this spread sooo yummy!
That looks really yummy:). I am putting it on my to try list.
Yay I’m glad! 🙂