Celebrate the season with this Peppered Pineapple & Pecan Cheese Wreath, a bright and savory showstopper that brings together creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, and crunchy pecans in one festive centerpiece. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy winter nights, this wreath delivers a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. It’s simple to prepare, easy to shape, and guaranteed to be the star of your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, pecans, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap, shaping it gently into a wreath or circular ring. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape.
- Once chilled and set, carefully unwrap the cheese wreath and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley to give it that beautiful festive finish.
- Serve with crackers or sliced bread to scoop up every flavorful bite.
Variation
- Tropical Twist: Add finely diced mango or papaya for an extra burst of tropical sweetness. This brightens the flavor and adds a juicy pop in every bite.
- Smoky & Spicy Version: Substitute smoked paprika for the cayenne or add a dash of chipotle powder. This deepens the overall flavor and brings a gentle smoky heat.
- Herb Garden Mix: Fold in fresh herbs such as dill, basil, or chives. The additional aromatics enhance the freshness and create a more complex flavor profile.
- Crunch Lover’s Upgrade: Toast the pecans before mixing them in. The toasting intensifies their nuttiness and gives the wreath an even more satisfying crunch.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a silky, lump-free texture that blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to avoid adding extra moisture that could prevent the wreath from setting properly.
- Chill the wreath for the full recommended time so it holds its shape when unwrapped and served.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Board Centerpiece: Place the wreath in the center of a large charcuterie board surrounded by crackers, cured meats, fruits, and veggies for a festive grazing spread.
- Bread Bowl Dip: Serve with hearty bread slices such as sourdough or rustic multigrain that can hold up to the creamy mixture and add a comforting chewiness.
- Fresh & Bright Pairings: Offer crisp apples, grapes, or thinly sliced pears on the side. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the peppery, savory cheese mixture.
Tips
- Shape with Ease: Use a small round bowl or cup in the center as a guide while shaping the wreath. It helps create an even, professional-looking ring.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture a day in advance for even better flavor development. Just keep it tightly wrapped until ready to serve.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less cayenne depending on your guests’ spice preferences. Even a small pinch can make a big difference.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: (Varies; typically low, approx. 3–4g depending on cream cheese brand)
- Sodium: (Varies by ingredients; approx. 250–300mg per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese wreath ahead of time?
Yes! It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept wrapped in the refrigerator until serving. - Can I freeze the cheese wreath?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the texture may become grainy once thawed. - What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios make great substitutes and add their own unique flavor and crunch. - How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Peppered Pineapple & Pecan Cheese Wreath brings together creamy richness, bright sweetness, and festive flair in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or adding a touch of cheer to your table, this wreath makes every celebration feel a little more special. Enjoy the flavors, the colors, and the compliments that are sure to follow!
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Peppered Pineapple & Pecan Cheese Wreath
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the season with this Peppered Pineapple & Pecan Cheese Wreath, a bright and savory showstopper that brings together creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, and crunchy pecans in one festive centerpiece. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy winter nights, this wreath delivers a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. It’s simple to prepare, easy to shape, and guaranteed to be the star of your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, pecans, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap, shaping it gently into a wreath or circular ring. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape.
- Once chilled and set, carefully unwrap the cheese wreath and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley to give it that beautiful festive finish.
- Serve with crackers or sliced bread to scoop up every flavorful bite.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a silky, lump-free texture that blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to avoid adding extra moisture that could prevent the wreath from setting properly.
- Chill the wreath for the full recommended time so it holds its shape when unwrapped and served.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Holiday Spread
- Method: No-cook, chilled
- Cuisine: American, Party Foods
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1/8 of wreath
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: ~7g (from pineapple; may vary)
- Sodium: ~250–300mg (varies with cream cheese and mustard brand)
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~13g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~3–4g
- Cholesterol: ~35mg
Keywords: cheese wreath, pineapple pecan cheese ball, holiday appetizer, festive dip, party spread