Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. - Shape the Cheese Ball:
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and shape the cheese mixture into a ball. - Coat with Pecans:
Roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans, pressing them gently to ensure they stick to the surface. - Chill:
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and allow the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Make this up to two days in advance to save time on party day.
- If you prefer a more tropical twist, you can mix in a little shredded coconut with the pecans!