A blast from past party goodness – so retro! No party is complete without a good appetizer and I love this sweet and salty pineapple cheese ball.
The Perfect Party Appetizer – A Pecan Covered Pineapple Cheese Ball
Does anyone else remember when no party was complete without a cheese ball?
I am probably really dating myself with this, but I used to love when I was a kid and went to a party, a grown-up party, and there was a cheese ball. When I saw that huge ball of deliciousness surrounded by crackers, I considered the party to be a success.
It didn’t take much to make me happy back then and to be honest, that’s still true 😉
For this month’s The
I realized my sons had been deprived of a holiday cheese ball experience so it was about time I made one for them and we were going to a Christmas open house so I got to kill two birds with one stone. 😉
This really is easy to make. I always envisioned it being a much more complicated recipe, but seriously, if it were any simpler it would make itself.
How to Make an Easy Sweet and Salty Nutty Pineapple Cheese Ball
*Printable Version at Bottom of Post
Ingredients
1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
I like to start by placing the cream cheese only in a bowl and mashing it up with a fork. This softens it up a little and makes it easier to add and mix in the other ingredients.
Next, add the dates to the cream cheese,
then the raisins,
and lastly, the pineapple.
Mix all together until it’s nice and creamy.
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple drained
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ½ cup dates chopped
- ½ cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Before adding any ingredients I like to smoosh up my cream cheese using a fork to make it nice and smooth.
- Next, and the dates to the cream cheese,
- then the raisins,
- and lastly, the crushed pineapple.
- Mix all together well until it's nice and creamy!
- Now, I like to take the chopped pecans and give them a quick run through a mixer or food processor to make it less chunky and more spreadable but you don't want it to be a "dust" so easy does it.
- Place about half of the nuts into a bowl, take your mixed cheese ball ingredients and form them into a giant delectable orb of cheese and roll it around in the nuts until all sides are coated.
- Wrap the ball in some plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. I served the one I made the same day BUT it is better, the flavors blend together in a more harmonious manner (I'm getting all chef-y now, aren't I?) if you let it sit about a day. Serve with some buttery crackers or any crackers you prefer!
Video
Nutrition
If you’re concerned about guests with nut allergies, you can absolutely omit the pecans.
What’s your favorite party appetizer? I would love to hear about it and if it’s retro we can nosh on the good old days!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes:
- Mushroom and Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers
- How to Make a Philly Cheese Steak for a Crowd
- Holiday Cheese Ring
The links below will take you directly to all of the other amazing recipes being shared by The
[inlinkz_linkup id=808170 mode=1]
Erlene
Thursday 13th of December 2018
Yes. I remember cheeseballs :-) I don't think I've tried one with pineapples, but it sounds like a great addition to a cheeseball spread.
Mary Beth
Sunday 16th of December 2018
I am so glad I'm not the only one with cheeseball memories ;) My family likes to tease me when I walk down memory lane. Have a beautiful holiday, Erlene!
Nancy @ Foodie Chicks Rule
Monday 10th of December 2018
Delicious, Mary Beth! I'm going to have to give this one a try! :) xo
Mary Beth
Sunday 16th of December 2018
Thanks so much, Nancy! xo
Paula
Wednesday 5th of December 2018
I'm from the era where a party wasn't a party without a cheese ball! Your cheese ball sounds so yummy and it wouldn't last long around here if I made it.
Mary Beth
Thursday 6th of December 2018
Kindred spirits! A woman who appreciates a good cheese ball. ;) Have a wonderful Christmas, Paula.
Maryann
Wednesday 5th of December 2018
Cheese ball with pineapple!!! Sounds amazing!
Mary Beth
Thursday 6th of December 2018
Thank you, Maryann! It's the perfect amount of sweet and cheesy. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours. xo
Julie
Wednesday 5th of December 2018
I need a pineapple cheeseball right now!! I just read pineapple is great for arthritis!!! Merry Christmas my sweet MB!
Mary Beth
Thursday 6th of December 2018
I had no idea pineapple is great for arthritis. Isn't it amazing how food can be so beneficial to the body? Merry Christmas to you as well, joyful, kind, and encouraging Julie! xoxo