Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
---|---|
134 | Calories |
13g | Fat |
4g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: About 24 Servings | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 134 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 13g | 17% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 22% |
Cholesterol 19mg | 6% |
Sodium 253mg | 11% |
Total Carbohydrate 4g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Protein 2g | |
Calcium 27mg | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, green onions, and bell pepper flavor this delicious cheese ball. The appetizer cream cheese spread is shaped into a ball and then rolled in chopped pecans. This has long been a visitor favorite, and for good reason!
This is a delicious cream cheese spread for a party or gathering. Arrange buttery crackers, bagel chips, or crostini around the cheese ball and have plates and napkins available for guests. A plate of small slices of ham would be wonderful with this spread as well.
Make it the day before or make it just a few hours before the party. It's delicious either way.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, or to taste
- 2 cups chopped pecans, divided, toasted if desired (see below)
Steps to Make It
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In a bowl combine cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onion, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of the chopped pecans. Mix well to blend ingredients.
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Chill the cream cheese mixture in refrigerator until it's quite firm and then shape into a ball. Return it to the refrigerator until serving time.
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Put the remaining chopped pecans in a container. Cover and set aside until serving time.
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Just before serving, roll the cheese ball in the remaining cup of chopped pecans.
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Serve with assorted crackers or with simple baked crostini slices (see below) or croutons. It would be a delicious spread to serve with slices of ham as well.
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Makes about 3 cups of pineapple cheese spread.
How to Make Basic Crostini
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Slice a narrow French bread baguette thinly on the diagonal.
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Brush both sides of each slice with good quality olive oil. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Arrange the slices on a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
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Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for 5 minutes. Turn the pieces and continue baking for 5 minutes longer.
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If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before it's done.
Tips and Variations
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Instead of chopped pecans, use two cups of chopped walnuts in the recipe.
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Finely chopped red onions may be used as a substitute for the green onions.
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Add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for additional flavor and color.
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For festive holiday color, use a combination of sweet green and red bell pepper in the spread.
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Toast the pecans. Arrange the pecans in a large, dry skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring and turning constantly, until they are aromatic and lightly browned. Remove to a plate immediately to halt the cooking process. See Also: How to Toast Nuts (Three Ways)