Cheese ball with pineapple

Ingredients:

1. 1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
2. One cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese
3. Half a cup of shredded pineapple, with the extra moisture squeezed out.
4. 1/4 cup of chives or green onions, chopped finely
5. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional; adds crunch and helps in rolling)
6. One spoonful of sour cream or mayonnaise (optional for richness)
7. Half a teaspoon of optional garlic powder
8. To taste, add salt and pepper.
9. For serving, use veggie sticks, pretzels, or crackers.

Directions:

1. Get the cheese mixture ready.

• Grated sharp cheddar cheese, drained crushed pineapple, and melted cream cheese should all be combined in a large mixing dish.
• Add the garlic powder, green onions or chives, and a dash of salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise if you want the cheese ball to have a little more creaminess.
• Everything should be well blended and smooth after a thorough mixing.

2. Create a cheese ball:

• Make a ball out of the cheese mixture with your hands or a spoon. Although you can build it as big or tiny as you desire, a medium-sized ball with a circumference of roughly 6 inches is the norm.

3. Roll the ball of cheese:

• Transfer the chopped walnuts or pecans to a shallow dish or platter.
• To make sure the nuts adhere to the top, gently press down while rolling the cheese ball in the nuts. For more color and taste, you can also wrap it in more chopped chives or green onions.

4. Relax:

• Tightly cover the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve, which should be at least one to two hours. The cheese ball is easier to slice and the flavors combine better when chilled.

5. Offer:

• Put the cooled cheese ball on a dish and around it with fresh vegetable sticks (carrots or celery) or crackers or pretzels.
• To make it easier for guests to scoop up the cheese ball, serve with a knife or spreader.

Advice:

• Nuts: If you don’t want to use nuts, you can add more chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even crispy bacon bits to the cheese ball to give it a different taste.
• Prepare Ahead: This cheese ball can be prepared up to two days ahead of time and refrigerated until it’s time to serve.
• Sweet and Savory Twist: You can add chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or even a small amount of jalapeño for a spicy-sweet combination for a fun twist.
• A tasty and unusual appetizer, this pineapple cheese ball is guaranteed to be a success at your next party!