This super cute Cream Cheese and Pineapple Cheese Ball will be the hit of your next summer party. It's really easy to make and is crazy delicious, too!
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!
For more delicious recipes featuring cream cheese I'm sure you'll enjoy: Blueberry Banana Pretzel Dessert, Kool-Aid Pie with Cream Cheese, Shrimp Rangoon Garlic Toasts, and Cream Cheese Cookies with Cheesecake Topping.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Can this Hawaiian cheeseball appetizer be made in advance?
- How many people does a pineapple cheeseball serve?
- How this recipe came to be:
- It's luau party time!
- The method to my madness
- The easy instructions:
- Additional Hawaiian-inspired recipes:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- 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 cheeseball 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.
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How many people does a pineapple cheeseball 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
It's luau party time!
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.
The method to my madness
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!! 🙂
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.
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
Cream Cheese and Pineapple Cheese Ball
Equipment
- chef's knife for slicing pineapple leaf crown
- box grater optional
- nut chopper optional
Ingredients
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 whole fresh pineapple twist off leaf crown, and cut in half lengthwise.
- ½ cup finely chopped pineapple dried well with paper towels
- 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
- Twist and remove the crown of leaves from the whole pineapple. Cut the crown in half lengthwise and place them in water, cut side down. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, blend together the remaining ingredients except for the whole pecans.
- Spray hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking and form the cream cheese mixture in a pineapple shape onto a large serving platter. *Note - Make sure to leave room on the platter for the pineapple "crown."
- Once formed, lightly press the whole pecans onto the pineapple cheeseball making sure all the pecans face the same direction.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Shortly before serving dry one half of the pineapple crown with paper towels and press it into place on the "top" of the pineapple cheeseball.
- For best flavor, serve at room temperature with crackers or cut vegetables.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoyed making this cream cheese and pineapple cheese ball as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Kara O. says
The look of this cheese ball is wonderful for a buffet table -- my guests loved it. However, I did find the taste quite bitter, especially after a day in the fridge. I would cut *way* back on the horseradish -- perhaps a tablespoon, rather than a quarter cup.
Renée says
That's too bad. I wonder how your guests enjoyed the flavor?
I've never had anyone complain of a bitter flavor before.
In any case, thank you for the comment as it may be helpful to others.
Take care,
Renee
Thea says
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!
Renée says
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
Linsglo says
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????
Renée says
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
Beth says
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.
Renée says
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
Deborah Susi says
Are the pecans toasted? They look like it.
Renée says
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
Ginny says
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...
Renée says
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
Millican Pecan says
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).
Renée says
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!!
Toni says
Such a fun and creative idea! I love it!
Renée says
Thanks, Toni!
Lindsay Cotter says
Such a fun and easy appetizer! Perfect for summer BBQs and parties!
Renée says
Glad you think so. Thanks, Lindsay!
Anshie says
This will be a great addition to any party food. So tropical!
Renée says
Thank you, Anshie!
Linda says
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!
Renée says
Thank you so much, Linda!!
Hadia says
Renee, this is such a fun and simple to make party treat! On my to do list! Thank you for sharing!
Shiho says
How Cute! I love the presentation of this cheeseball! Very clever! I can not wait for summer to come to try this out 😀
Renée says
It's always a hit when people see it. But when they taste it, it's even better! Enjoy!
Brandy O'Neill says
Adorable and oh so fun!
Renée says
Thanks!!
Nutmeg Nanny says
OMG this is so cute! This is the perfect addition to your party 🙂
Susan says
Sounds like a party I want to be at! This cheese ball is so much fun and it sounds delicious!
lauren kelly says
This is so adorable! It's perfect for a summer party!
Cookin' Canuck says
This is such a cute idea! I have a feeling it will be a big hit at your shin-dig.
Kim Bee says
This is so stinking cute. I must try it asap. I can see this being a huge hit at any party.
Shulie Foodwanderings says
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!
Aly ~ Aloha Flavor says
Your party is going to be amazing! Have a BLAST in Hawaii and I cannot wait to see pictures 🙂 Renee - this is gorgeous!
brenda@sugarfreemom says
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!
Renee Goerger says
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 🙂