Pineapple Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball Snowmen

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Bring whimsical holiday charm to your table with these Pineapple Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball Snowmen adorable, creamy, and irresistibly festive. Combining tangy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and smooth cream cheese, these edible snowmen are both delicious and delightfully decorative. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday party or looking for a fun family-friendly appetizer, these charming cheese ball snowmen are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for decoration)
  • Carrot sticks (for noses)
  • Pretzel sticks (for arms)
  • Black olives (for eyes and buttons)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  2. Shape the cheese mixture into three balls of varying sizes: one large for the base, one medium for the torso, and one small for the head.
  3. Stack the cheese balls on a serving platter, forming a snowman shape.
  4. Decorate using dried cranberries for buttons, carrot sticks for noses, pretzel sticks for arms, and black olives for eyes and additional buttons.
  5. Chill the snowman cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow flavors to blend.
  6. Serve chilled with crackers, veggies, or your favorite dippers.

Variation

  1. Tropical Twist: Add 2 tablespoons shredded coconut to the mixture to enhance the pineapple flavor and give the snowmen a snowy texture.
  2. Savory Herb Version: Swap the green onions for fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for a more aromatic and earthy snowman.
  3. Nut-Free Option: Replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for a smoother, allergy-friendly cheese ball.

Cooking Notes

  1. Drain Pineapple Well: Excess moisture can make the cheese balls too soft. Press the pineapple with paper towels for best results.
  2. Chill Before Shaping: If the mixture feels too soft to form snowmen, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm it up.
  3. Sturdier Snowmen: Use a small wooden skewer down the center to help the snowman stand tall on the platter.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Festive Appetizer Platter: Surround the snowmen with crackers, pita chips, and fresh-cut veggies for a stunning holiday display.
  2. Kids’ Party Favorite: Let children help decorate their own mini cheese ball snowmen as a fun edible craft.
  3. Holiday Brunch Addition: Pair with fruit trays and savory pastries for a balanced seasonal buffet spread.

Tips

  1. Use Cold Ingredients for Decoration: Chilled cheese balls hold their shape better, especially when adding small decorative pieces.
  2. Prep Ahead: You can shape and assemble the snowmen up to a day in advance just wait to add pretzel arms until serving to avoid softening.
  3. Flavor Boost: Taste the mixture before shaping and adjust the seasoning to match the sweetness of your pineapple.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: ~4 g
  • Sodium: ~260 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well but may result in a slightly softer texture.
  2. How long can the cheese ball snowmen be stored?
    Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze the cheese mixture?
    Freezing is not recommended, as the pineapple may release moisture and affect texture upon thawing.
  4. What can I serve with these snowmen?
    Crackers, pretzels, sliced veggies, and even toasted baguette slices pair beautifully.

Conclusion

These Pineapple Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball Snowmen add a playful, festive touch to your holiday celebrations while delivering irresistible sweet-savory flavor. Easy to assemble and fun to decorate, they make the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings both charming and delicious!

Print
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Pineapple Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball Snowmen

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Bring whimsical holiday charm to your table with these Pineapple Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball Snowmen adorable, creamy, and irresistibly festive. Combining tangy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and smooth cream cheese, these edible snowmen are both delicious and delightfully decorative. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday party or looking for a fun family-friendly appetizer, these charming cheese ball snowmen are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for decoration)
  • Carrot sticks (for noses)
  • Pretzel sticks (for arms)
  • Black olives (for eyes and buttons)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  2. Shape the cheese mixture into three balls of varying sizes: one large for the base, one medium for the torso, and one small for the head.
  3. Stack the cheese balls on a serving platter, forming a snowman shape.
  4. Decorate using dried cranberries for buttons, carrot sticks for noses, pretzel sticks for arms, and black olives for eyes and additional buttons.
  5. Chill the snowman cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow flavors to blend.
  6. Serve chilled with crackers, veggies, or your favorite dippers.

Notes

  1. Drain Pineapple Well: Excess moisture can make the cheese balls too soft. Press the pineapple with paper towels for best results.
  2. Chill Before Shaping: If the mixture feels too soft to form snowmen, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm it up.
  3. Sturdier Snowmen: Use a small wooden skewer down the center to help the snowman stand tall on the platter.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ~1/8 snowman
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: ~4 g
  • Sodium: ~260 mg
  • Fat: ~18 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~7 g
  • Fiber: ~1 g
  • Protein: ~4 g
  • Cholesterol: ~20 mg

Keywords: cheese ball snowmen, holiday appetizer, pineapple cheese ball, Christmas snack, festive party food

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