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From My Kitchen To Yours
Easy Recipes

Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball

 

Introduction

A pineapple cheeseball is a delightful, sweet, and savory appetizer perfect for parties, holidays, or family gatherings. It combines the tanginess of pineapple, the smoothness of cream cheese, and a savory crunch from nuts and other ingredients, creating an irresistible flavor explosion.

 

 Ingredients:

2 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened
1 can (8 oz) of crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of chopped green onions
1/4 cup of finely chopped bell pepper (optional, for extra crunch)
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 to 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating)

 

Directions:

Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, bell pepper (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Shape the cheeseball: Once the mixture is well-blended, shape it into a ball. You can use plastic wrap to help form it into a neat shape.

Chill: Wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight). This helps firm up the cheeseball and allows the flavors to meld together.

Coat with nuts: After chilling, remove the cheeseball from the fridge and roll it in the chopped pecans or walnuts until fully coated.

Serve: Place the cheeseball on a serving platter and surround it with crackers, pretzels, or veggies for dipping.

 

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving: Serve the cheeseball chilled, directly with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks. It can be the star of any snack platter or served as an appetizer.
Storage: Keep any leftover cheeseball fresh by storing it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It will stay good in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

 

Tips for Success:

Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smoother consistency.
Drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy texture in your cheeseball.
Chill the cheeseball for at least a few hours for the best texture and flavor.
For a sweeter flavor, you can add a teaspoon of honey or a dash of cinnamon.

 

Health Benefits:

While this cheeseball is primarily a comfort food, there are a few benefits from its ingredients:

Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C, aiding immune health.
Nuts: Provide healthy fats and protein, contributing to heart health.
Cream Cheese: Offers calcium, though it’s high in fats and should be eaten in moderation.

 

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 2 tbsp):
Calories: 180
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g

 

Variations and Substitutions:

Nuts: Substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or cashews, or omit them if there are nut allergies.
Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier twist or use Colby-Jack for a milder flavor.
Sweetness: For a sweeter option, consider adding some chopped dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a festive touch.
Spices: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I make this cheeseball in advance? You can prepare the cheeseball up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it until it’s time to serve. Just store it in the refrigerator and roll it in nuts right before serving.

Can I freeze the cheeseball? It’s not recommended to freeze cream cheese-based dishes as the texture may change upon thawing.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, but make sure to chop it finely and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

What can I serve with a cheeseball? It pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, vegetable sticks (like celery or carrots), or pretzels.

 

Conclusion:

The Heavenly Pineapple Cheeseball is a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings a unique combination of sweetness and tangy flavors to your appetizer spread. With its creamy texture, a hint of freshness from pineapple, and the satisfying crunch from nuts, it’s bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this cheeseball is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, yet impressive dish!

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