This Bacon Cheddar Pineapple Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for your Luau party. Shaped like a pineapple with a blend of sweet and savory flavors!
Luau parties are always a blast especially when everyone shows up Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and leis. We threw one for my husband’s surprise birthday party and this tropical cheese ball stole the show.
If you’re looking for a party centerpiece that delivers both on presentation and taste, this Hawaiian cheese ball is sure to impress your guests.
Complete your luau menu with my refreshing Green Hawaiian Cocktail and Baked Sweet Hawaiian Chicken!
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What’s in this Hawaiian Cheese Ball?
- Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple that smells sweet, slight softness and yellowing skin.
- Cream cheese: Full fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and softened at room temperature.
- Sharp cheddar: Shredded to help balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy and chopped finely.
- Pretzels: Mini twist pretzels (any brand) for the top of the cheese ball.
- Pineapple crown: For the top of the cheese ball and complete the pineapple shape.
- Crackers: For serving and dipping.
- You will also need: Garlic powder seasoning.
How to Make a Pineapple Cheeseball
Gently twist and remove the crown from the pineapple. Slice the crown in half lengthwise, rinse it under cold water, pat it dry, and set it aside for decoration.
Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, remove the core, and dice into small pieces. Use paper towels to blot and remove as much juice as possible to avoid a soggy cheese ball.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Once cooled, crumble or chop into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced pineapple, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is mixed well.
Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into an oval, tapering slightly at one end to resemble a pineapple. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a platter or serving board. I used this cute pineapple board to serve it on.
Gently press the reserved pineapple crown into the tapered end. Then, press mini pretzel twists over the surface to mimic the texture of pineapple skin.
Arrange crackers around the cheese ball for dipping and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For a shortcut, use canned pineapple tidbits. Just be sure to drain and blot away as much juice as possible.
- Let the cream cheese soften on the counter for 30 minutes to reach room temperature.
- Don’t skip the chill time! It helps the cheese ball firm up and hold its shape.
- Save time by making the cheese ball a day ahead. Keep it chilled in the fridge and assemble right before serving.
- Swap pretzels for pecans.
Storing Leftovers
Remove pineapple crown and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in fridge for up to 3 days. Note: The pretzels may soften over time.
Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Pineapple Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- ½ ripe pineapple
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 6 oz. sharp cheddar shredded
- 7 strips bacon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Mini twists pretzels about 33
- ½ pineapple top
Instructions
- Gently twist and remove the crown from the pineapple. Slice the crown in half lengthwise, rinse it under cold water, pat it dry, and set it aside for decoration.
- Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, remove the core, and dice into small pieces. Use paper towels to blot and remove as much juice as possible to avoid a soggy cheese ball.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Once cooled, crumble or chop into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced pineapple, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is mixed well.
- Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into an oval, tapering slightly at one end to resemble a pineapple. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
- When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a platter or serving board. Gently press the reserved pineapple crown into the tapered end. Then, press mini pretzel twists over the surface to mimic the texture of pineapple skin.
- Arrange crackers around the cheese ball for dipping and enjoy!
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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