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The Pineapple Cheese Ball is a simple, no-fuss, crowd-pleasing appetizer, an assembly of crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, and diced green onion mixed with cream cheese, all rolled in a crunchy coating of Ritz crackers and pecans. It’s a hit at every Southern gathering and I’m pretty positive it will be a slam dunk at yours as well!
Though retro to some, this Southern favorite pineapple cheese ball with cream cheese remains a staple at porch parties, tailgates, holiday gatherings, and even at-home happy hours. I’ve gotten to where I expect to see one on the snack table at parties. Its prep time is a snappy 15 minutes before it’s left to chill in the refrigerator for an hour or until ready to serve. This vintage appetizer falls somewhere between a thick dip and a savory spread. It pairs beautifully with a variety of other party foods. A Pineapple Cheeseball is the perfect no-bake answer to “bring a dish to share” potlucks or when you need easy, make-ahead vittles to feed guests at your bash.
Cheese ball recipes rose to fame as a party snack from the 1950s through the 1970s, frequently appearing at cocktail parties. It’s republished annually in some version or another between the pages of Southern Living Magazine. They are the food that represents communal snacking in the American South right along with the Deviled Egg. Although their popularity waned in the late 1980s, when they were seen as somewhat kitschy, they’ve made a strong comeback in recent years.
Today, foodies like me cherish cheese balls for their adaptability and the opportunity to use quality ingredients. This renewed interest highlights their lasting appeal as a favorite party treat in the South. Other noteworthy Southern party appetizers worth a browse include Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, Creamy Cold Crab Dip, and Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos.
Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe Highlights
· Make-Ahead Convenience – You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve, reducing stress on the day of your event. No baking required!
· Instagram or Facebook Worthy – Rolled in Ritz crackers and fiber-rich nuts and garnished with parsley and paprika, it looks as good as it tastes.
· Retro Charm – This old-fashioned recipe brings back a nostalgic, retro vibe that can be a fun talking point at gatherings.
· Healthy Ingredients – It includes fresh ingredients like green onions and red or green bell pepper, and high-in-protein cream cheese, offering a nutritious snack option when paired with celery sticks and carrots.
· Nutty Crunch – The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch in contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple, enhancing the overall texture.
Ingredients for a Pineapple Cheese Ball
Don’t forget to add crackers or vegetables for crudité to your shopping list, as you’ll need something amazing to serve with your cheese ball. Think butter or wheat crackers, crostini, or crudité.
- Cream Cheese – Provides a creamy, smooth base for the cheese ball.
- Crushed Pineapple – Adds a refreshing sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements.
- Diced Red Bell Peppers (or green pepper) – Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Green Onions – Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- Dried Minced Onion (optional but recommended) – sodium free dried minced onions are a great time-saver in the kitchen. To rehydrate, place in fine-mesh sieve and submerge in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Hot Sauce – Gives a subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Worcestershire – Infuses a deep, umami flavor and helps avoid the need to add seasoning salt or other herbs and spices.
- Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheeses – These cheeses give a sharp, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Pecans – Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. I toast mine but it’s not a requirement.
- Ritz Crackers – The perfect crunchy coating for the cheese ball especially if you prefer to assemble with no nuts.
- Chopped Parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and color.
- Paprika – Gives a mild flavor and a dash of color.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheeses – replace cheddar-jack with smoked Gouda, Muenster, or Marbled Blue-Jack, and use Neufchâtel in place of cream cheese if desired.
- Nuts – Walnuts or crushed almonds are delicious if pecans are not readily available. Don’t rule out spicy nuts!
- No Nuts – avoid nuts altogether using instead a coating of cracker crumbs, chopped parsley, and a pinch of shredded cheese.
- Bacon – adds an unexpected umami flavor.
- Fruit Additions – for drop-dead gorgeous holiday versions of this cheese ball, add chopped dried cranberries or finely chopped dried apricots to the cream cheese mixture, with or without the pineapple.
- Herb and Spice Adjustments – Diced Jalapeños, Sriracha, chives, or minced cilantro. A friend recommended using everything bagel seasoning, but I have yet to test it.
- Paprika – I specify ‘paprika’ but do not specify what type; think smoked, Hungarian sweet, or even hot paprika to garnish.
Step By Step Instructions
Tip: Serve Well Chilled
Ensure the cheese ball is chilled for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 1. In a large bowl, mix 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cups crushed pineapple (juice drained), 1/3 cup diced red pepper, 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, rehydrated (optional but recommended), 3 to 4 dashes of your favorite hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Measure out 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of Jack cheese. Set aside 1/8 cup of each cheese for later use. Add the remaining 5/8 cup of each cheese (cheddar and Jack) to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 2. Form the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap before popping into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Step 3. While the cheese mixture chills, make the crunchy Ritz and pecan coating. I toast 1/3 cup of chopped pecans but toasting them is not required. Crush 4 to 6 crackers or enough to equal 1/3 cup. Combine both in a shallow bowl and add 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh parsley. Add in the reserved 1/4 cup mixed Jack and cheddar cheeses. Remove the cheese ball from the plastic film and roll in the pecan cracker crumbs, pressing firmly to adhere.
Step 4. Place onto a serving platter with cheese spreaders or a knife. Before serving, garnish with additional parsley and a dusting of paprika. Serve with additional Ritz crackers, wheat crackers such as Triscuit, or vegetable crudité.
How to Serve a Cheese Ball
Occasions
- Tailgates – Perfect for game days with friends.
- Holiday Gatherings – A festive addition to any holiday spread.
- Porch Parties – Ideal for casual outdoor gatherings.
- Potlucks – An easy, make-ahead dish that travels well and pleases a crowd.
Complementary Party Foods
- Cold Cuts and Meats – Slices of ham, turkey, or salami complement the savory flavors.
- Fruit Platters – Grapes, apples, and berries provide a sweet contrast.
Drink Pairings
- Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or a fruity Riesling pair beautifully with the savory and sweet elements.
- Beer – Try a light lager or a pale ale to balance the richness.
- Liquor Cocktails – Classic cocktails like a gin and tonic or a Moscow mule complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Not only does this easy appetizer taste amazing, but perfect when made ahead.
- Assemble without coating.
- Wrap with plastic film.
- Prepare coating and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Store leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Jenny’s Recipe Pro Tips
- Ensure you drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid a soggy cheese ball.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor and add a delicious crunch to your cheese ball. Not mandatory but highly recommended!
Recipe FAQs
Freezing a cheese ball with pineapple is not advisable, as it can alter the texture. It is better to keep it refrigerated to maintain its quality.
For a spicier version, you can increase the cayenne pepper, add chopped jalapeños, or mix in a few dashes of hot sauce. Tailor the level of heat to suit your taste.
Yes, you can opt for reduced-fat cream cheese if that’s your preference. Whichever you choose should depend on your personal taste and any dietary restrictions.
Even MORE Appetizers to Browse!
Party-Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) Package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 – 4 dashes hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/8 cup reserved
- 3/4 cup Jack cheese, shredded; 1/8 cup reserved
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped; toast if desired for richer flavor
- 1/3 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
- 2 teaspoons parsley, fresh; chopped
- dusting of paprika
optional but recommended
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, rehydrated
for serving
- crudité
- crackers
- crostini
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with drained pineapple, pepper, green onions, rehydrated minced onion if using, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. Mix well.1 (8-ounce) Package cream cheese, 3/4 cup crushed pineapple, 1/3 cup red bell pepper, 1/4 cup green onions, 3 – 4 dashes hot sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- Measure out 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of Jack cheese. Set aside 1/8 cup of each cheese for later use. Add the remaining 5/8 cup of each cheese (cheddar and Jack) to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined. I find it is easiest to do the using the tines of a fork.3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup Jack cheese
- Form the mixture into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap, place into an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 48 hours.
- Add chopped pecans, cracker crumbs, reserved cheese, and chopped parsley to a shallow bowl. NOTE: I toast the pecans for richer flavor, but it's not required. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll in the pecan cracker crumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.1/3 cup pecans, 1/3 cup Ritz cracker crumbs, 2 teaspoons parsley
- Place on a serving platter. Garnish with additional parsley and a dusting of paprika. Serve with additional Ritz crackers, wheat crackers, or vegetable crudité.2 teaspoons parsley, dusting of paprika, crudité, crackers, crostini
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.