Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe ππ§
Overview:
Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball is a delightful blend of creamy cheese, tangy crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, creating a tropical-inspired appetizer perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a generous serving for 24 people and is ideal for sharing with friends and family. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful cheese ball that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 15 oz crushed pineapple
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1/8 tsp Accent seasoning
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 88
- Fat: 7.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Cholesterol: 20.8mg
- Sodium: 61.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.3g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 1.4g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combine all ingredients within a food processor. In a food processor, add the cream cheese, crushed pineapple, diced bell pepper, finely chopped onion, pecans, and Accent seasoning. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. |
| 2 | Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, ensuring it is evenly rounded. Wrap the ball tightly with the plastic wrap, making sure it is completely covered. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up. |
| 3 | Roll in crushed pecans. After chilling overnight, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Place the crushed pecans on a flat surface or in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the crushed pecans until it is evenly coated, pressing gently to adhere. The pecans will add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the cheese ball. |
| 4 | Serve with Garden or Ranch-flavored crackers. Arrange the cheese ball on a serving platter alongside your favorite crackers, such as Garden or Ranch-flavored ones. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and savory flavors of Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball with your friends and family. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball pairs perfectly with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable crudites.
- For a fun twist, try serving the cheese ball with different flavored crackers to add variety to your appetizer spread.
- Garnish the cheese ball with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers of Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Before serving leftovers, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can prepare Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the flavors to develop and the cheese ball to firm up.
- If making ahead, wait to roll the cheese ball in crushed pecans until just before serving to ensure the nuts stay fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts:
Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the creaminess of cheese, and the crunch of pecans into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with friends, or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the tropics with Lesleigh’s Pineapple Cheese Ball! π΄π§
