Pineapple Cheese Ball
This easy Pineapple Cheese Ball is creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet, with bacon, pimentos, green bell pepper, and pecans. It’s an easy make-ahead appetizer for holiday parties, potlucks, and game day.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 oz diced pimentos (drained well)
- ½ green bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2.5 oz real bacon pieces
- 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained very well)
- 1 cup pecans (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese, drained pimentos, diced green bell pepper, bacon pieces, and well-drained crushed pineapple to a large bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula until evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a ball.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cheese ball is firm.
- Just before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a plate. Gently press the chopped pecans onto the outside until evenly coated.
- Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, apple slices, celery, or other crisp vegetables.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple very well. Press out as much liquid as possible so the cheese ball stays firm.
- Drain the pimentos well and blot away any extra moisture with a paper towel.
- Finely dice the bell pepper so it distributes evenly throughout the cheese ball.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet and let them cool completely before using.
- Don’t overmix the filling. Stop once everything is evenly combined.
- For the best texture, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 298mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 805IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg
