Pineapple Jalapeño Cream Cheese Holiday Bomb

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Bring a burst of sunshine to your holiday table with this Pineapple Jalapeño Cream Cheese Holiday Bomb a tropical showstopper that blends sweet pineapple, creamy richness, and a feisty jalapeño kick. Baked right inside its own pineapple shell, this festive appetizer is equal parts delicious, dramatic, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or feeding a full-on holiday crowd, this warm, melty dip brings island vibes with a hint of spice in every scoop.

Ingredients

  • 1 large pineapple
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips or crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the top off the pineapple and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving a sturdy shell. Reserve the pineapple flesh.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Chop the reserved pineapple into small pieces and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Spoon the mixture back into the hollowed pineapple, packing it in tightly.
  6. Place the filled pineapple on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until warm and lightly bubbly.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  8. Serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers.

Variations

  1. Add Bacon for Smoky Depth:
    Crispy chopped bacon adds a salty, smoky layer that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple. Just cook, crumble, and fold it right into the dip for added richness.
  2. Make It Extra Spicy:
    Keep some jalapeño seeds or swap in a serrano pepper for those who love serious heat. You can also drizzle a little hot honey over the finished dip for a sweet-spicy contrast.
  3. Tropical Fruit Boost:
    Mix in chopped mango or papaya along with the pineapple for an even more island-inspired experience. Their natural sweetness balances the jalapeño perfectly.
  4. Cheesy Upgrade:
    Add shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a gooier, meltier interior. The cheese melts into the cream cheese, creating a super-luxurious dip.

Cooking Notes

  1. Pick a Pineapple That Stands Upright:
    A pineapple with a flat, stable base ensures it won’t tip over while baking. If needed, trim the bottom slightly so it sits securely.
  2. Don’t Over-Hollow:
    Leave about 1/2 inch of pineapple flesh attached to the inside walls so your “bowl” stays sturdy during baking.
  3. Avoid Excess Juice:
    After chopping the pineapple flesh, gently press out excess juice so the filling stays creamy, not watery.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair With Crunchy Dippers:
    Tortilla chips, seeded crackers, baguette rounds, or even plantain chips all add delightful texture against the warm, creamy filling.
  2. Serve on a Festive Board:
    Surround the pineapple bomb with colorful fruits, herbs, and holiday snacks to turn it into a centerpiece-worthy grazing board.
  3. Add a Fresh Garnish:
    Sprinkle extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime on top right before serving for fresh brightness and visual pop.

Tips

  1. Use Softened Cream Cheese:
    Fully softened cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps, making the filling rich and velvety.
  2. Taste Before Filling:
    Give the mixture a quick taste and adjust seasoning especially salt, lime juice, and heat before spooning it into the pineapple.
  3. Stabilize the Pineapple:
    If you’re worried about wobbling, nestle the pineapple into a ring of crumpled foil on the baking sheet. It keeps everything upright and secure.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: Approx. 4–5 g
  • Sodium: Approx. 250–300 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble the filled pineapple up to a day in advance, store covered in the fridge, and bake right before serving.
  2. Can I make this without baking?
    Absolutely serve it chilled as a cold cream cheese dip. The flavors are still amazing, just skip the oven.
  3. What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
    You can bake the mixture in a small casserole dish and serve with canned pineapple on the side.
  4. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Yes use dairy-free cream cheese and check seasonings. The texture remains deliciously creamy.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Jalapeño Cream Cheese Holiday Bomb is equal parts fun, festive, and flavor-packed bringing tangy sweetness, cozy warmth, and a playful kick of spice to any holiday spread. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and crowd-pleaser, proving that sometimes the best party dishes are the ones that look as good as they taste. Enjoy every warm, tropical, fiery scoop!

Print
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Pineapple Jalapeño Cream Cheese Holiday Bomb

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Bring a burst of sunshine to your holiday table with this Pineapple Jalapeño Cream Cheese Holiday Bomb a tropical showstopper that blends sweet pineapple, creamy richness, and a feisty jalapeño kick. Baked right inside its own pineapple shell, this festive appetizer is equal parts delicious, dramatic, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or feeding a full-on holiday crowd, this warm, melty dip brings island vibes with a hint of spice in every scoop.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large pineapple
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips or crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the top off the pineapple and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving a sturdy shell. Reserve the pineapple flesh.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Chop the reserved pineapple into small pieces and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Spoon the mixture back into the hollowed pineapple, packing it in tightly.
  6. Place the filled pineapple on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until warm and lightly bubbly.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  8. Serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers.

Notes

  1. Pick a Pineapple That Stands Upright:
    A pineapple with a flat, stable base ensures it won’t tip over while baking. If needed, trim the bottom slightly so it sits securely.
  2. Don’t Over-Hollow:
    Leave about 1/2 inch of pineapple flesh attached to the inside walls so your “bowl” stays sturdy during baking.
  3. Avoid Excess Juice:
    After chopping the pineapple flesh, gently press out excess juice so the filling stays creamy, not watery.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Tropical Fusion / Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: ~14 g
  • Sodium: ~250–300 mg
  • Fat: ~22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~26 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Protein: ~4–5 g
  • Cholesterol: ~40 mg

Keywords: pineapple jalapeño dip, cream cheese appetizer, holiday pineapple bomb, baked pineapple dip, tropical holiday appetizer

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