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