Hawaiian Cheese Ball

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posted by Christy Denneyon Dec 8, 2020 (updated Sep 6, 2022) 93 comments »

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Hawaiian Cheese Ball is a cream cheese ball appetizer with crushed pineapple, green onions, and bell pepper. Use a mix of red and green bell pepper to make this festive for Christmas. This is a crowd pleaser.

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This Hawaiian Cheese Ball was served at the last Bunko party we had. I’m notusually one to go for a cheese ball but when the girls were flocking over this cheese ball with pumpkin cake, carmelitas, and cake pops nearby, I knew that I had to try it.

My friend Alicewasgiven this recipe at her bridal shower yearsago. It’s avintage recipe that’s new to me. Those are my favorite. Iactually took this as an appetizer for Thanksgiving and we scarfed it down.

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

The fact that we all were starving because we tried to save our appetites for Thanksgiving dinner may have contributeda bit.

I know cheese balls are a bit 1980s-my-grandma-makes-them but there’s a reason grandma made cheese balls. They’re good!

I love that you can make this festive for Christmas by adding both green and redbell peppers to the ball.

Youadd half of the pecans to the ball… …and the other half you roll the ball in.

Serve with Triscuits, Wheat Thins, or Ritz crackers.

OTHER CHEESE RECIPES:

Peanut Butter Cheese Ball
Marinated Caprese Salad
Easy Feta Dip
Warm Bacon Cheese Dip
Hot BLT Dip

Hawaiian Cheese Ball

4.46 from 37 votes

A cream cheese ball with crushed pineapple, green onions, and bell pepper. This is such a crowd pleaser.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

chill time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
1/4 cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper, (or a mix of both)
3 Tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients (only 1 cup of the pecans) together until well combined. Shape into a ball. Place the remaining 1 cup of pecans on a plate and roll the ball in the pecans covering well.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers: wheat thins, Ritz, or Triscuits work well.

Notes

Source: from my friend Alice Isom who was given it at her bridal shower.

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer

Author: Christy Denney

Christy Denney

Christy is the voice behind The Girl Who Who Ate Everything! She is no stranger to making meals that kids and adults will love. She grew up in Mesa, Arizona as the youngest of ten kids. She can always be found in her kitchen with music playing and cooking with her kids. She published her first cookbook in 2014. She loves party food that gets the conversations going!

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originally published on Dec 8, 2020 (last updated Sep 6, 2022)

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Hawaiian Cheese Ball | The Girl Who Ate Everything (9)

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93 comments on “Hawaiian Cheese Ball”

Beth — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 @ 22:49:58 EST Reply
I have done this just as a dip too! Amazing
- Christy Denney — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 @ 01:50:53 EST Reply
  Thx!
Dorothy Fox — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 @ 14:38:14 EDT Reply
I’ve tried ur recipes an I luv them keep up the great work!!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 @ 01:23:27 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
  
  See Also
  Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe Spinach Waldorf Salad with Cinnamon-Apple Dressing 4 Ingredient Tartar Sauce with Capers Pepperoni Alfredo Pizza Dip
Diane Presley Murphy — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 @ 21:12:48 EST Reply
My mom used to make this but she also added chopped maraschinocherries love this! Reminds me of my mom.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 @ 17:35:22 EST Reply
  oh yum
Deborah — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 @ 16:30:31 EST Reply
Do u put the white part of the onion to or just the green part?
- Christy Denney — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 @ 02:22:34 EDT Reply
  Usually just the green but the white part has great flavor and can be added.
Laura Migliore — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 @ 06:56:22 EDT Reply
I wonder if this could be used as a spread for tea sandwiches instead of being made into a ball.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 @ 01:32:01 EDT Reply
  Sure!
Becky — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 @ 22:42:17 EDT Reply
This is a must at showers. It’s the best.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 @ 01:21:11 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Kathy Lovelady — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 @ 21:19:58 EST Reply
I made this cheese ball for my kids during Christmas. It was very good, but next time I would add another can of pineapples. Definitely a keeper. 😊 Thank you Christy!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 @ 02:36:43 EST Reply
  Thank you!
- Susan Marks — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 @ 17:54:16 EST Reply
  Try adding some finely chopped maraschino cherries to this! Delicious!
Mel — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 @ 22:03:10 EST Reply
Excellent. My mom use to make this, so when looking for the recipe a several years ago I found this one.My friends and coworkers request it for every party. I use less seasoned salt, but besides that I follow this recipe.
- Christy Denney — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 @ 02:55:23 EST Reply
  Thank you!
Lynn — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 @ 00:08:53 EST Reply
Love this concept. To make it truly Hawaiian, I’d add crispy bits of SPAM.
(As info, cheese balls were the height of sophistication in the 1950s……they came back around in the 1980s. )
Thanks so much for this great reminder and yummy idea. Happy holidays!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 @ 01:25:40 EST Reply
  Haha Spam is very Hawaiian but I might have to pass.
Nick Nack Patty Wack — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 @ 16:26:41 EST Reply
I made this Hawaiian cheese ball and it turned out great. I did use Lawry’s less salt season salt and it was just right for my taste. I was wondering if these could be made ahead and frozen?
- Christy Denney — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 @ 02:12:14 EST Reply
  Yes they totally can.
Cyndi M — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 @ 09:06:52 EST Reply
I got this recipe from a friend 30+ years ago. We love it and pull it out for special occasions. I wouldn’t call it “Hawaiian” … in fact, most people don’t realize immediately that there’s pineapple in it. The pineapple becomes part of the overall flavor and doesn’t predominate. We call it Holiday Cheese Ball. My recipe calls for 2 Tbsp minced (regular) onion rather than green onion. I have also found a difference with the brand of seasoned salt. It’s saltier with Lawry’s than with Season-All (which flavor we prefer). If you use Lawry’s, cut back a little bit.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 @ 02:23:02 EST Reply
  Thanks for the tip Cyndi
Jeani Thomas — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 @ 18:13:53 EST Reply
I didn’t see that it called for seasoned salt and I added 2 tsp of regular salt. Way too salty. I would cut that down even it I used seasoned salt.
Lana — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 @ 13:03:21 EST Reply
Im curious if anyone has ever tried to add crispy bacon to the ball? Or would that ruin it?
- Christy Denney — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 @ 22:17:14 EST Reply
  That would be great!
- Joan Minor — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 @ 10:14:20 EDT Reply
  I Love this cheeseball! Thank for the recipe.
  - Christy Denney — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 @ 02:00:27 EDT Reply
    You’re welcome!
Marchelle — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 @ 22:52:18 EST Reply
I have a question about the amount of green and red peppers. Do you use 1/4 cup each or a total of 1/4 cup? This looks really good and I will probably try it. Thanks!
- Christy Denney — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 @ 22:38:55 EST Reply
  It’s 1/4 cup total. Sorry if that was confusing.
Paula — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 @ 11:07:32 EST Reply
my mom made this in the 80’S but it had 1 package of chopped up dried beef added. my grown kids can;t get enough!

See Also
Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
- Christy Denney — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 @ 00:45:33 EST Reply
  INteresting!
Gigi — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 @ 11:12:15 EST Reply
What kind of season salt?
- Christy Denney — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 @ 00:02:53 EST Reply
  It doesn’t matter. I used Lawrys.
Gina Kirk — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 @ 00:20:12 EST Reply
Can you make this a a couple weeks ahead of time and freeze?
- Christy Denney — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 @ 23:23:59 EDT Reply
  Absolutely!
Jennifer — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 @ 13:56:40 EST Reply
I liked this recipe very much. I would prefer additional pineapple so will do that next time. It’s just a matter of taste.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 @ 23:35:09 EST Reply
  So glad you liked it!
Kristina taylor — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 @ 09:47:00 EST Reply
I made this exactly as instructed and it came out wonderful! Everyone loved it! Next time I will double the recipe so there will be some left for me later 😄
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 @ 23:40:56 EST Reply
  Awesome to hear!
Wendy — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 @ 20:12:39 EDT Reply
We love this recipe. I take it to group gatherings often and am always asked to bring it again. We like to serve it with apple slices, celery, and cruskit crackers. Thank you. I live in New Zealand now and wasn’t able to bring my recipe books. So I’m very thankful to Pinterest! Oh and be sure to really drain the pineapple for like 30 minutes through a colander or you’ll have cheese soup …just sayin!😋
- Christy Denney — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 @ 00:29:13 EDT Reply
  Great tip! You’re totally right. I’m so glad you love this!
Pam — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 @ 12:50:01 EDT Reply
Waaaaay too much seasoning salt. Ruined my cheese ball. Cut back!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 @ 00:48:45 EDT Reply
  Sorry you felt that way!
Laura Migliore — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 @ 06:26:04 EDT Reply
Has anyone found tit too salty? I am going to make it for a bridal shower next weekend. Thanks
- Christy Denney — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 @ 00:49:08 EDT Reply
  You can definitely start with less and add more to taste.
  - Laura Migliore — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 @ 07:54:19 EDT Reply
    I ended up using 1 tsp. seasoning salt, and that tasted great to me. I knew the crackers were going to be a little salty too. Other than cutting back a little on the salt, it was so delicious. I had to make my husband stay out of it, so I could take it to the bridal shower. This is definitely going into my recipe notebook as a favorite. Can’t wait to try some other recipes.
    - Christy Denney — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 @ 23:30:18 EDT Reply
      So glad you liked it!
Donna — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 @ 13:37:39 EDT Reply
Is it a 1/4 cup each of green and red peppers, or just 1/4 cup of them combined?
- Christy Denney — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 @ 22:32:00 EDT Reply
  It’s just 1/4 cup of them combined.
Karen — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 @ 14:09:12 EST Reply
Please don’t ever change the name…it’s a perfect name for a perfect cheese ball…”Hawaiian Cheese Ball” My family completely devours it every time I make it …LOL
Kanoe — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 @ 18:06:40 EST Reply
So because it has pineapple, you decide to call it Hawaiian? As someone that is 75% Hawaiian, I get super annoyed when others think that because it has pineapple and or coconut, it’s Hawaiian. We are more than a fruit. Please consider changing the name. PS: I’m sure you never intended to offend, but may I encourage you to be more aware and thoughtful. While you may not intend offense, think about what others might think, especially when it comes to their culture.
- PatDaz — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 @ 14:22:49 EDT Reply
  Kanoe, I would have to disagree under the content of too much political correctness.
  Isn’t Hawaii the largest growers & shippers of Pineapples & Coconuts in the world, among many other scrumptious fruits? Even if I was 1/8 Hawaiian, I believe I would be proud that my heritage is known for these fabulous fruits. I LOVE Macadamian nuts also and have a Japanese/Hawaiian cousin whose family (he has retired now & his son runs their crops & business) has grown them for now 4 generations. It was/still is a VERY lucrative business … and I know first hand they are proud to have their nuts associated with Hawaii!! Please try not to be so offended & defensive, and be PROUD of your culture!! I envy you are mostly Hawaiian, I am a hodge-podge of the world … literally …. predominantly British/Irish/Scottish/Cherokee Native Indian, but also have many minor cultures in my ancestry … so I cannot really claim a culture of my own!!
Annette — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 @ 08:02:44 EST Reply
Is there any thing I could replace the seasoned salt with?
Linda Park — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 @ 16:11:00 EST Reply
Oh dear God, i love this recipe. Barbara Bernard with New Orleans Opera used to make this for our Chorus Christmas Party, and I looked everywhere for the recipe. I used Tony Chachere’s seasoning for the seasoned salt and added a touch of garlic powder and worchestershire. Yum. I could eat it all myself
C Jonovan — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 @ 21:15:59 EST Reply
OMG, this is the greatest cheeseball of all times. I’ve had this recipe from years ago. Thanks for the repost. Everyone, you need to try this. It rocks.
Debra Pollard — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 @ 10:29:18 EST Reply
This Hawaiian Cheese Ball recipe was given to me years ago also by a coworker. I lost it in a fire and so thankful to find it again. I love this cheese ball. It is the only one I will eat because I am not big on cheese. Thank you.
- Christy Denney — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 @ 23:25:12 EST Reply
  You’re welcome! it’s a goodie!
Shari Michener — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 @ 20:04:03 EST Reply
I have made this for years and everyone loves it.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 @ 22:46:37 EST Reply
  So good to hear.
Linda Wiles — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 @ 15:40:58 EDT Reply
It was really good! But a little too much green pepper taste and not enough pineapple.
Libbi — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 @ 12:35:24 EST Reply
What do you think of adding bacon to this…..because bacon….?
- Christy Denney — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 @ 22:14:13 EST Reply
  I will never say no to bacon!
Antoinette Johnson — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 @ 21:33:13 EST Reply
Why is it called “Hawaiian” cheese ball? Last I checked, Hawaiians didn’t make cheese balls and I don’t recall any Hawaiian dishes that had pecans in it. Just wondering.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 @ 21:52:01 EST Reply
  Probably just the pineapple. Haha. Good point.
Rebecca — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 @ 03:15:32 EDT Reply
I also add a ts of onion and garlic powder (1 ts each). It really adds something to it and still leaves the pineapple sweet.
Di — Sat, 30 May 2015 @ 18:06:06 EDT Reply
can youmake this the night before serving ?
- Christy Denney — Sun, 31 May 2015 @ 23:05:48 EDT Reply
  Yes! The flavors will blend!
Nancie Petersen — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 @ 19:41:03 EST Reply
I got another recipe from Pinterest that calls for only 1- 8 oz. package of cream cheese. Which is right?
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 @ 23:03:03 EST Reply
  I can’t vouch for the other recipe but we use 2 packages.
Paula L — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 @ 09:02:27 EST Reply
I don’t typically make cheese balls, but I did make this one and there was enough to make two balls (one slightly smaller and one bigger). I took it to my office with no expectations, and honestly, I can say it was gone before lunch time. This is going on my to-make-for-Christmas list every single year! Thank you!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 @ 23:37:00 EST Reply
  Yay! I’m not a cheese ball maker either. Glad you loved it!
Thalia @ butter and brioche — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 @ 15:38:06 EST Reply
Never made a cheese ball before. This recipe is one I need to make as I have a feeling it will be perfect for a Christmas party coming up!
Erica — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 @ 15:32:34 EST Reply
Oh my gosh this looks SO GOOD! Pinned!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 14:10:55 EST Reply
I’ve never tried making a cheese ball before…but really…what could be better than a big ball of cheese? 😉
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 21:41:35 EST Reply
  It’s really yummy!
Vicki H. — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 10:15:15 EST Reply
This is one of my favorite recipes from when I was a kid. I crave it this time of year. We usually do walnuts, but I will definitely have to try with pecans.
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 09:55:04 EST Reply
Yum! One of my two great weaknesses, cheese and chocolate. I like the pecans and pineapple mixed in the cheese.
- Mary — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 @ 19:56:52 EDT Reply
  I love this cheeseball!! We throw a little jalapeño in to give it a little kick. My whole family loves it!!
Carol David — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 08:49:37 EST Reply
This would be best (and Hawaiian) with chopped Macadamia nuts, instead of the pecans. Looks like a great recipe!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 21:45:21 EST Reply
  Haha. Yes. I guess that would be right but this is how it was given to me.
Emily van Kampen — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 00:02:40 EST Reply
I love the idea of using pineapple in the cheese ball! I must say I was wondering about the size of the ball and how much people it would serve. We have quite a large family and if I would serve this for Christmas I want to be sure everybody gets to try it.
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 21:45:50 EST Reply
  I’m thinking it would serve about 14 generously.
Shawnna — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 23:19:08 EST Reply
This sounds so yummy!! I’m hungry now!!
Andrea — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 20:40:31 EST Reply
I’ve been using this recipe for years! This year we made one for thanksgiving and added garnishes to make it look like a turkey. It was a big hit and we scarfed it down! Wish I could post a photo to show how cute our turkey cheeseball was.
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 @ 21:46:17 EST Reply
  How cute? Love that idea~
- Joe — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 @ 11:28:54 EDT Reply
  What type of seasoning salt do you use?
  - Christy Denney — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 @ 20:18:58 EDT Reply
    Lawry’s is what I used.
Mirta Porley — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 20:36:20 EST Reply
Delicious !!!!
Kara — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 19:48:40 EST Reply
My best friend growing up used to make a pineapple cheeseball that I loved. I’d forgotten all about it, but I’ll have to give this a try! Looks as good as I remember it tasting! 🙂
Librarian Lavender — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 18:36:21 EST Reply
That looks amazing, yum!
Liz — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 18:16:35 EST Reply
Thanks Christy for the nice cheese ball. Love pineapple.
Kim Kenny — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 @ 18:01:19 EST Reply
That looks so good! I’m pinning it so I can try it the next time we have a football watching party at our house. Thanks for sharing!

Hawaiian Cheese Ball | The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

HAWAIIAN CHEESE BALL

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

OTHER CHEESE RECIPES:

Hawaiian Cheese Ball

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