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    Home » Appetizers and Snacks Recipes

    Published: Jun 22, 2019 · Modified: Mar 28, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

    Aloha Pineapple Cheese Ball

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    A pineapple cheese ball with crackers on the side and flowers in the background with a title text overlay graphic
    A vertical image with a cute colorful title graphic for an Aloha Pineapple Cheeseball.

    This super cute Aloha Pineapple Cheese Ball will be the hit of your next summer party. It's really easy to make and it's crazy delicious too!

    Vertical image of a pineapple cheese ball on a platter with crackers and colorful napkins
     
    Cream cheese, pineapple, bacon, and pecans (along with a few other ingredients) combine to make a tasty luau appetizer your family and friends won't soon forget!

    **Note - The following recipe post or category contains affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration. By clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

    Jump to:
    • The ingredient list:
    • Can this Hawaiian cheese ball appetizer be made in advance?
    • How many people will this pineapple cheese ball serve?
    • How this recipe came to be:
    • The easy instructions:
    • Additional Hawaiian-inspired recipes:
    • Printable Recipe Card

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    Closeup photo of a pineapple cheese ball with pecans and crackers

    The ingredient list:

    • Cream Cheese
    • Crushed Pineapple
    • Bacon Bits
    • Chopped Pecans
    • Whole Pecans
    • Scallions
    • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
    • Prepared Horseradish
    • Crackers
    • Whole Pineapple (for the leaves)

    Can this Hawaiian cheese ball appetizer be made in advance?

    That's a big whopping YES!!

    Because the flavor of this tropical appetizer improves with time, I recommend chilling it for at least 4 hours (overnight also works) in the refrigerator before serving.

    Wrap it well with plastic wrap and allow the cheeseball to come to room temperature before serving.

    Store the pineapple leaves in a bowl of water, cut side down, to keep the leaves fresh and green.

    Right before serving, add the pineapple leaf "crown" which has been dried with paper towels.

    How many people will this pineapple cheese ball serve?

    Lots!

    But, I've also seen it devoured by a small handful of people in only a matter of minutes. It's that good!

    How this recipe came to be:

    The count down is on.

    In a mere few days, my husband and I will be hosting one of the biggest backyard parties we've ever thrown.

    I'm nervous, excited, and exhausted!!

    Who's idea was this, anyway? LOL

    Since we're having the dinner portion of our Hawaiian luau catered (we're doing a pig roast with all the sides, and fixins) I wanted to make all the appetizers and desserts myself.

    Little by little, over the past week I've been baking and creating up a storm.

    My freezer and fridge are piled full of cookies, brownies, dips, and, of course, this pineapple cheese ball.

    Overhead photo of a pineapple cheese ball on a platter with crackers.

    I can't take credit for coming up with the structural idea for this pineapple cheese ball.

    I don't recall where I actually saw it, but it was most likely Pinterest.

    However, what I can take credit for is coming up with the actual recipe.

    With my sister sitting at my kitchen table, she can account for how I started dumping ingredients into a bowl and mixed them up until it tasted just right.

    We know.

    We tested it. LOL

    The easy instructions:

    • In a large bowl with a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese, bacon, chopped pecans, scallions, cheddar cheese, horseradish, and crushed pineapple until combined.
    • Place the cream cheese mixture onto a serving platter and shape to form a pineapple.
    • Press the whole pecans lightly to the outside of the cheese ball.
    • Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
    • Top with the pineapple leaf "crown" before serving.
    • Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
    • Grab the crackers, your favorite tropical drink, and dig in!! 🙂
     
    Overhead vertical photo of an aloha pineapple cheese ball with pecans and crackers on a serving platter with a title text overlay graphic

    Additional Hawaiian-inspired recipes:

    Treat yourself to a taste of the tropics with this Hawaiian Chicken Salad. It's quick to make and completely delicious with plenty of meaty chicken, dried pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts, and toasted coconut flakes. Serve it for a special occasion or just because you deserve it!

    Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies are just what you're craving when you need a little something sweet, and a little something rich and buttery.

    Whether you make Pineapple Pork Tenderloin on the outdoor grill, or inside in the oven...just make it. The pineapple gives the pork a wonderful flavor that you're going to flip over!

    Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Thighs are a moist and flavorful family favorite that comes together in a snap with the help of the slow cooker. 

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment of why you rated as you did.

    Google loves ratings and will show my recipes to more people if they have them. Thank you. 🙂

    Printable Recipe Card

    pineapple cheeseball on a platter with crackers and flowers in the background

    Aloha Pineapple Cheese Ball

    Renee Goerger
    Cream cheese, pineapple, bacon, and pecans (along with a few other ingredients) combine to make a tasty appetizer your family and friends won't soon forget!
    4.75 from 36 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Chill Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer Dip
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 cups
    Calories 825 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 - 8 ounce blocks cream cheese softened to room temperature
    • ½ cup crushed pineapple drained and squeezed dry
    • 1 whole pineapple twist off leaves and cut in half lengthwise
    • 1 cup chopped pecans
    • ¾ cup bacon bits
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • ¼ cup prepared horseradish
    • ½ cup chopped scallions
    • 1½ cups whole pecans

    Instructions
     

    • Remove the leaves from the whole pineapple, cut in half. Place them in water, cut side down. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, blend together the remaining ingredients.
    • Spray hands with cooking spray.
    • Form the cream cheese mixture on a platter to form a pineapple shape.
    • Press the whole pecans lightly onto the pineapple cheeseball to cover.
    • Pat the one half of the pineapple leaves dry with paper towels and press into place on the "top" of the pineapple cheeseball.
    • Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours for the flavors to marry.
    • Serve at room temperature with crackers or cut vegetables.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 825kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 28gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 1028mgFiber: 12gSugar: 14g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Follow me across my social media platforms and join in on the conversation: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TIKTOK, AND YOUTUBE.

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!

    Custom Renee Signature

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed Aloha Pineapple Cheese ball recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Overhead vertical photo of a pineapple cheese ball with crackers, flowers, and colorful napinks

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Custom Renee Signature

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Thea says

      November 29, 2022 at 10:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is beautiful! I can’t wait to make it! I make a cheese ball similar w/o bacon bits or horseradish, looking forward to trying those additions.
      I think your first review 8/6/15 and your comment back said you didn’t have pineapple in the recipe, I think that confused one person.
      It’s funny when I make mine, people have a hard time knowing what’s in it, they would never guess pineapple. Thanks for a great looking appetizer!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 30, 2022 at 6:48 am

        Thanks, Thea.
        It sounds like a weird combination of ingredients but they really do play together beautifully.
        Plus, it's such a fun presentation. I do hope you enjoy this recipe. I appreciate the 5-star rating.
        Thank you so much!!
        -Renee

        Reply
    2. Linsglo says

      July 30, 2022 at 6:34 pm

      Brenda’s comment and your reply has me so confused!! I’m about to make this for the first time and the recipe lists pineapple but your message strand says it doesn’t have pineapple… huh????

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 31, 2022 at 8:24 am

        Hello,
        Thanks for the question. I went back and reread the comment you're referring to.
        She stated that it had too much horseradish and I asked if she forgot to add the pineapple.
        There is definitely pineapple in the recipe. Don't leave out the pineapple.
        Also, cut back on the horseradish if you're not a fan.
        Honestly, I don't think it's too much so taste as you go and maybe start with a lesser amount if you're concerned.
        I hope this helps. Also, view the video as it shows the entire process of making and assembling this pineapple cheese ball.
        Take good care,
        Renee

        Reply
    3. Beth says

      June 19, 2020 at 6:53 pm

      WAY too much horseradish! 1 TBsp would have been find, but as is there's no "Aloha" only horseradish. Bummed because it looks good but not so good once you taste.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 19, 2020 at 7:42 pm

        So sorry you feel that way. Obviously we disagree. Any chance you left out the pineapple?
        Oh well, Beth! Thanks for leaving your opinion. Wish it could have been better.
        Take good care,
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Deborah Susi says

      July 21, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      Are the pecans toasted? They look like it.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 21, 2019 at 7:09 pm

        Hi, Deborah! I actually did not toast the pecans, BUT, you will get a fuller, richer, pecan flavor if you do. The choice is always yours. Either way, it’s a great recipe!
        Thanks for the question!
        Renee

        Reply
    5. Ginny says

      July 06, 2019 at 10:50 pm

      4 stars
      Took FOREVER to finally get to the recipe (I get recipe blogs need the length for advertising space but this one was hard to find even scrolling to the bottom) but once I did I got the proportions if the ingredients and whipped it up! I added an extra block of cream cheese, a little extra bacon and forgot to buy green onions, but the cheese ball was a hit!

      Would add a picture but I don't see the option...

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 07, 2019 at 7:53 am

        Hello, Ginny!
        So glad you liked the recipe and it was a hit! It's definitely one of my favorites and if you ever make it again (and I hope you do), try and remember those green onions. They really give the extra flavor component you don't know is missing, until you know it's missing. BTW, sorry you had problems finding the recipe card for all the scrolling. This recipe post was one I recently updated from several years ago and for many reasons, it's near and dear to my heart so I didn't feel like editing a lot of that stuff out. If there was a way to highlight the recipe card, I would. Maybe that feature will be available in the future. Anyway, thanks for the comment! Have a great day!
        Renee

        Reply
    6. Millican Pecan says

      July 02, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is a fantastic idea! What a festive way to present an appetizer...I can see why you say it goes fast in a crowd! I love how the pecans make it look like a pineapple. I love anything pecans and anything pineapple. There are so many different kinds of crackers to serve it with, and I can imagine you can with vegetables, too, for a healthy option (like celery, carrots, sliced sweet bell peppers).

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 03, 2019 at 6:21 am

        I'm so glad you enjoy this appetizer. Yes, the pecans really make it fun...and tasty! I love pecans so I decided to add them inside the cheeseball as well. I love the extra flavor and crunch they lend! Enjoy, and happy summer!!

        Reply
    7. Toni says

      June 27, 2019 at 5:48 pm

      Such a fun and creative idea! I love it!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 30, 2019 at 7:05 am

        Thanks, Toni!

        Reply
    8. Lindsay Cotter says

      June 26, 2019 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      Such a fun and easy appetizer! Perfect for summer BBQs and parties!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 30, 2019 at 7:06 am

        Glad you think so. Thanks, Lindsay!

        Reply
    9. Anshie says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      This will be a great addition to any party food. So tropical!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 25, 2019 at 12:39 pm

        Thank you, Anshie!

        Reply
    10. Linda says

      June 25, 2019 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      This is a picture perfect recipe for a luau party! You are so talented! Love how all the flavors marry together and really takes on that tropical feel. This was so delicious and I'm sure it went over really well at your party. Btw, I love those glasses you painted too!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 25, 2019 at 12:38 pm

        Thank you so much, Linda!!

        Reply
    11. Hadia says

      June 24, 2019 at 7:39 pm

      Renee, this is such a fun and simple to make party treat! On my to do list! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    12. Shiho says

      June 22, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      How Cute! I love the presentation of this cheeseball! Very clever! I can not wait for summer to come to try this out 😀

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 23, 2019 at 1:57 pm

        It's always a hit when people see it. But when they taste it, it's even better! Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Brandy O'Neill says

      June 22, 2019 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      Adorable and oh so fun!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 23, 2019 at 1:57 pm

        Thanks!!

        Reply
    14. Nutmeg Nanny says

      August 09, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      OMG this is so cute! This is the perfect addition to your party 🙂

      Reply
    15. Susan says

      August 08, 2015 at 1:22 am

      Sounds like a party I want to be at! This cheese ball is so much fun and it sounds delicious!

      Reply
    16. lauren kelly says

      August 07, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      This is so adorable! It's perfect for a summer party!

      Reply
    17. Cookin' Canuck says

      August 07, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      This is such a cute idea! I have a feeling it will be a big hit at your shin-dig.

      Reply
    18. Kim Bee says

      August 07, 2015 at 7:41 am

      This is so stinking cute. I must try it asap. I can see this being a huge hit at any party.

      Reply
    19. Shulie Foodwanderings says

      August 07, 2015 at 12:58 am

      How cool?! It does look like a pineapple only it's a cheese ball!! 🙂 Have a great trip to Hawaii. I haven't been so I'll be living vicariously!

      Reply
    20. Aly ~ Aloha Flavor says

      August 06, 2015 at 10:34 pm

      Your party is going to be amazing! Have a BLAST in Hawaii and I cannot wait to see pictures 🙂 Renee - this is gorgeous!

      Reply
    21. brenda@sugarfreemom says

      August 06, 2015 at 5:37 pm

      I was a little confused by the title and thought there would be pineapple in the recipe but there isn't and it's a savory delicious low carb cheese ball and I love it! Hope you have a wonderful party!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        August 06, 2015 at 6:16 pm

        I know, I probably should have called it something else, but, it is what it is...only with no pineapple in the mix. LOL. In all truthfulness, there is pineapple in so many of the other dishes I'm serving, and I didn't want to over do the whole pineapple thing. This one gets the point across, but without the pineapple flavor.
        Thanks for visiting, Brenda! I appreciate the comment 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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