Get Ready for the Ultimate Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball!

Alright, flavor adventurers! Buckle up, because I’m about to drop a flavor bomb on you that’ll make your taste buds sing and your parties legendary. I’m talking about my Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball.

You know me, I’m all about those big, bold flavors that make every meal a celebration.

And this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball? It’s the ultimate party appetizer, the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can say “Cuba Queen!”

I remember the first time I tasted a similar **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball**. I was at a holiday party, surrounded by boring dips and predictable crackers, and then… BAM!

This little ball of cheesy goodness exploded in my mouth with sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors all at once. It was a revelation! I knew right then and there I had to create my own version, the Cuba Queen way.

I’ve tweaked and perfected this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball recipe until it’s reached absolute flavor nirvana.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be whipping it up for every occasion. Forget those bland, boring appetizers – this **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** is the star of the show! Need more inspiration? Check out this Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe.

This **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** is the dish that screams Cuba Queen – bold, unexpected, and guaranteed to make a statement.

I’m practically bursting with excitement to share this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball recipe with you! Prepare to unleash a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more. This Cranberry Pecan Cheesecake Ball is another dish that will impress!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking maximum flavor impact with minimum fuss.

8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: This is the base of our Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball, so make sure it’s good quality and completely softened for smooth mixing. Don’t even think about skipping this step.
1/2 cup Crushed Pineapple, well-drained: You want the sweetness, not the sogginess. Trust me on this. Drain that pineapple like your life depends on it.
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries, chopped: These little gems add a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
1/4 cup Green Onions, thinly sliced: Don’t skip this one! It adds a surprisingly zesty little punch.
1/4 cup Pecans, chopped: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that brings everything together. Toast them lightly for an even bigger flavor boost.
1 cup Pecans, finely chopped: For the coating!Trust me, it’s worth it.
1 tbsp Brown Sugar: Trust me, you don’t wanna skip the brown sugar. It’s the secret ingredient for perfect taste.
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder: A little savory to counter the sweet. Don’t overdo it, though. Just a touch!
1/4 tsp Salt: Brings out all the other flavors.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball including cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, green onions, pecans, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt

The secret to an epic **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** is using high-quality ingredients. Splurge on good cream cheese and delicious pecans – trust me, you’ll taste the difference!

I usually get my ingredients for this **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** at my local farmer’s market. You’ll find the best ingredients there! For a similar vibe, check out this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to whip up this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball like a pro:

Combine the Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are NO lumps! We want a perfectly smooth base for our Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball. Don’t stress – your Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is going to be incredible.
Add the Flavor Bombs: Add the drained pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, chopped pecans, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This is where your **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** transforms into pure magic! This step is so important.
Shape the Cheese Ball: Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Transfer the cream cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up. Pro tip for Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball perfection: chilling it overnight is a game-changer!
Prepare the Pecan Coating: While your Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is chilling, place the finely chopped pecans in a shallow dish. Make sure they’re spread out evenly.
Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to make sure they adhere to the surface. This pecan crust is what takes this cheese ball recipe to the next level!
Chill Again: Wrap the coated Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pecans to set. This prevents them from falling off when you serve it.
Serve and Enjoy! Remove the Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly for easier spreading. Serve with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or veggies. Get ready for the flavor explosion!

Here’s where most people mess up their **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** – they don’t drain the pineapple properly! Make sure you squeeze out all the excess liquid.

While your **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** is working its magic in the fridge, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your amazing creation!

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is key, flavor adventurers! We want this **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** to be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

I like to serve my **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an array of colorful crackers, pretzels, and veggie sticks. Think vibrant reds, greens, and browns to create a visually appealing spread.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** at holiday parties. It’s always the first thing to disappear!

This **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** absolutely slays at dinner parties! Check out this Classic Cheese Ball Recipe for more inspiration.

For a festive touch, I sometimes add a sprig of rosemary or a few extra cranberries on top. It’s all about those little details!

Pair this cream cheese appetizer with a crisp white wine or a light sparkling cider. The sweetness of the drink will complement the flavors of the cheese ball perfectly. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls!

Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but just in case!) Crumble the **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** over a salad for a burst of flavor and texture. Or, spread it on a sandwich for a sweet and savory twist.

During the summer months, I sometimes add a touch of lime zest to my **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** for a refreshing twist. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about my **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** recipe:

Can I make this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a little kick. You can even add some chopped jalapeños for a more intense heat.
What if I don’t have pecans for my Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball? Walnuts or almonds would work well as a substitute. Just make sure to chop them finely.
How do I know when my Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is perfectly done? The cheese ball should be firm enough to hold its shape but still slightly soft to spread. If it’s too soft, chill it for a bit longer. If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make this cheese ball recipe ahead of time? Yes! In fact, I highly recommend making it a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
What kind of crackers go best with this cream cheese appetizer? I like to serve it with a variety of crackers, including multigrain crackers, water crackers, and even some sweet crackers like ginger snaps.
Can I freeze this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball? While it’s technically possible, I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the cream cheese may change, and the pecans may lose their crunch.
How long will this Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball last in the refrigerator? It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple? Yes, but make sure to chop it very finely and drain it thoroughly. Canned crushed pineapple is more convenient and tends to have a more consistent sweetness.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball**. That’s what being a flavor adventurer is all about!

This sweet and savory cheese ball is surprisingly easy to make. You got this!

CONCLUSION:

This Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unexpected combinations, and a whole lot of fun in the kitchen! It’s the perfect appetizer to wow your guests and create unforgettable flavor memories. This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball reminds me of another family favorite.

My Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball Power Tips:

Drain the pineapple like your life depends on it! Soggy cheese ball = sad cheese ball.
Toast your pecans for extra flavor. A little warmth brings out their nutty goodness.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Add a pinch of spice, a squeeze of lime, or even some crumbled bacon for a savory twist.

Some Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball variations I’ve created and loved:

Spicy Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and some chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick.
Smoked Bacon Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball: Crumble some crispy smoked bacon into the cream cheese mixture for a savory, smoky twist.
Lime Zest Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball: Add the zest of one lime for a refreshing, citrusy flavor.

The Spicy Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball gets the biggest reactions from my friends. They love the unexpected heat!

I’m confident that you can make this **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** your signature dish. It’s so easy and so delicious that everyone will be begging for the recipe! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see what flavor adventures you come up with!

Now go forth and create some **Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball** memories! Let’s turn ordinary kitchens into culinary playgrounds, one flavor bomb at a time! Share your results, tag me, and let’s spread the Cuba Queen flavor love!

Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

Print Recipe

This Cranberry Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. The creamy cheese base is studded with sweet pineapple and tart cranberries, then coated in crunchy pecans for a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces pineapple tidbits, well drained
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup pecan pieces, finely chopped
Crackers, for serving

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, and garlic powder. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Place the finely chopped pecan pieces in a shallow dish.
Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a ball.
Roll the cheese ball in the pecan pieces, pressing gently to help them adhere. Ensure the entire cheese ball is covered.
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pecans to set.
Serve chilled with crackers.

Notes

For a sweeter cheese ball, add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. You can also substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans.