When I was pregnant with my daughter, I had horrible “morning” sickness (read 24-hour sickness) for way longer than should be allowed. It was a horrible, vicious cycle where I didn’t eat because I couldn’t tolerate the thought and then I’d feel more sick because I hadn’t eaten. Believe me, it was excellent birth control…just remembering it makes me think twice before reproducing again.
So anyway, just after I started my second trimester and still feeling miserable (but hungry), I went to a party with a group of friends where we all brought our favorite holiday foods. My friend Suzette brought this cheeseball and not only could I tolerate it, but I loved it! Miracle of miracles! Alas, later that night, the “24-hour sickness” caught up with me, but I’ll spare you those details.
Anyway…I’ve made this a number of tasty times since that fateful night and it’s just as good every time. It is LOVED at parties, to the point where I see people forgoing the crackers and just going straight for the big boy with a butter knife. So if you’re going to any New Year’s parties this week and you’re supposed to bring something to nosh on, give this a try! Pregnant women (and everyone else) will love it!
Cheeseball
2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened (you can use light cream cheese)
2 c. (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 Tbsp. finely chopped green onions
1/4 c. finely chopped bell pepper (any color; I used red and orange mini peppers because I like the color and, well, I had some lying around the house that needed to be used!)
2 tsp. seasoning salt
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained very well (you may want to press in a fine-mesh strainer)
1/2 c. pecan pieces, chopped (you can also use pecan “chips”)
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except pecans. Mix well. No matter how good my intentions, I always end up mixing it with my hands sooner or later. When thoroughly mixed, shape into a ball and roll in crushed pecans. Chill thoroughly. Serve with crackers and/or vegetables.
So what are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Last year, I bought a minivan on New Year’s Eve day and then that night, while driving around trying to find a store that was open so I could buy laundry detergent, I found myself listening to “Delilah After Dark” and had a panicky out-of-body experience. I’m not sure what my plans this year are quite yet, but I certainly hope they’re a little more exciting!
Appetizers
Beef
Sandwiches and Burgers
Beverages
Breads
Breakfast and Brunch
Condiments
Desserts
Pizza and Pasta
Pork
Poultry
Salads and Dressings
Seafood
Side Dishes and Vegetables
Soups and Stews
Candy Penguin Cupcakes
Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn
Single Serving Pie in a Jar
I love homemade cheeseballs… but I’ve never had one with crushed pineapple in it… doesn’t that taste clash??
Yeah, the pineapple part sounds a little weird, but it’s good, I promise! I think it’s the whole sweet and salty thing, kind of like pineapple on pizza. Seriously, don’t be scared! :)
Mmm… that sounds tasty. I always roll mine in a little bit of chopped fresh parsley too, it gives it some color. By the way, I made your french dip sandwiches (FYI your link was broken on the last post) last night and they were so delicious!! I’m having leftovers for lunch today. Thanks for the great recipes!
Ya know, I’ve never made a cheeseball before. Maybe this will be my year! I bet the sweet/salty combo is really good.
That looks good to me…I have not made one in years…always liked the port cheese one…a friend made one that I am going to try and make this week…
This looks so good, I’ve always wondered about making them. I might have to try it this year, it’s a perfect New Years food.
I think my hubby would like this because of the pineapple in it, thqat cheese ball is perfectly round. I hope mine looks that good!
This looks so good Kate!! I may have to try it. I’ve made a couple cheeseballs, but never with the pineapple, but it sounds like it’d be so yummy
That does sound yummy! No super-exciting NYE plans, but we are having dinner with some family. No late nights for us though, with two little girls and a baby :)
ugh, I have that now. So lame.
I made this for our New Year’s party~ very easy and very yummy!
I have been making this exact cheeseball for years. A coworker had brought it in and no one could stop eating it. YUM!
We use the same recipe but also add chopped up bacon pieces. It gives it a little bit of a smoked flavor. Its very tasty try it.
I made this for a party last week and sad to say, it was not a hit. :( I came home with at least 4/5 of it, which is a lot since this cheese ball is HUGE! I left out the peppers because I'm not a fan, but included the pineapple and honestly that's where I think it went wrong.
If you're not sure on this one–try half the recipe first, so you're not left with a ton of leftovers if you don't like it.
Thanks for your great recipes..I made this cheeseball for my daughters baby shower and it was a big hit,,,she loved it..I do think its the sweet and salty mix that makes it!! I will make it again for sure..thanks
Great recipe. The pineapple and peppers complement each other. Many recipes of this variety are cream cheese only. Do not forgo the sharp cheddar. The bigger the batch the better.
PS – Credit for this recipe goes out to Jean Kay Williams. The originator from Cardston, AB. ;)
How far in advance can I make this? Does it freeze okay?
I wouldn’t freeze it, but you could make it 2-3 days ahead of time (just don’t roll it in the nuts until right before you serve it). Hope that helps!
Could you make this using pineapple cream cheese rather than adding the pineapple? I tried to make a similar cheese ball once and I guess I didn’t get the pineapple drained well enough because it turned out more like dip than a cheese ball.