Delicious Pineapple Cheeseball Recipe: A Weight Watchers Friendly Version
Pineapple cheeseballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for any gathering. This creamy, tangy cheeseball pairs the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of pineapple, adding a delightful crunch with chopped pecans and fresh vegetables. Traditionally a party favorite, this Weight Watchers-friendly version offers the same indulgent taste with a mindful approach to calories and points, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice flavor while staying within your daily points.
In this version, we’ve made a few swaps to reduce the calorie count without compromising on the texture or flavor. The sweet pineapple and the savory flavor from the veggies blend seamlessly with the cream cheese, creating a balanced, delicious treat that’s ideal for any celebration, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Best of all, this recipe allows you to enjoy a classic party snack without derailing your Weight Watchers plan.
Ingredients for the Pineapple Cheeseball
For the Cheeseball Mixture:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained well (be sure to squeeze out all the juice)
- 1/2 cup diced green onions (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for an extra burst of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for an added savory note)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning (for zest)
For Coating:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (use a mixture of finely chopped and coarsely chopped pecans for texture)
- Additional pecans for rolling (about 1/2 cup)
- Low-fat or whole-grain crackers (or fresh veggie dippers like celery, carrots, or cucumber slices for a healthier alternative)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 oz serving)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Weight Watchers SmartPoints (Blue/Green/Purple): 3
- Saturated Fat: 3g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands or substitutions used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
To begin, start by softening the cream cheese. Take the reduced-fat cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start. This ensures it’s soft and easy to mix, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the final cheeseball.
Once the cream cheese is softened, place it in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix the cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of lumps. This is crucial for achieving the best consistency for your cheeseball. You want the texture to be velvety and easy to form into a ball shape.
Step 2: Incorporate the Vegetables and Pineapple
Next, add the vegetables. Start with diced green onions and diced green bell pepper. These fresh ingredients bring a subtle crunch and fresh flavor that complement the sweetness of the pineapple.
Add the crushed pineapple, but ensure it is drained well. Pineapple can release a lot of juice, and too much liquid will affect the consistency of your cheeseball. Press the pineapple gently in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess moisture, or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze the juice out.
Once everything is added to the bowl, stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. You can use a spatula or spoon for this. The mixture should be well-blended and cohesive.
Step 3: Add Spices for Flavor
To enhance the taste, it’s time to add your spices. Add seasoned salt and lemon pepper seasoning to the mixture. These spices will give the cheeseball its characteristic savory and slightly tangy flavor. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference—if you prefer a stronger flavor, add a little more of each spice.
Additionally, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. These spices will round out the flavor and give your cheeseball the depth it needs. Taste the mixture to see if the seasoning needs adjusting before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Forming the Cheeseball
Once all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to shape the cheeseball. Lay out a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper on your countertop. Spoon the cheeseball mixture onto the plastic wrap and use your hands to gently shape the mixture into a round ball. You don’t need to rush this step—take your time to make it as smooth as possible.
Once you’ve shaped the mixture, wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight. The longer the cheeseball sits, the more the flavors will meld together. Chilling it is essential to help it hold its shape when rolling in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Coat the Cheeseball in Pecans
After the cheeseball has chilled and firmed up, unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Now it’s time for the fun part—coating the cheeseball in chopped pecans. Roll the ball gently in the chopped pecans, pressing them into the surface to ensure the cheeseball is completely coated.
To make sure the pecans stick, you may need to press down lightly while turning the ball to cover all sides. The nuts will add crunch and flavor, complementing the creaminess of the cheese mixture.
Step 6: Serve the Pineapple Cheeseball
Once the cheeseball is fully coated, place it on a serving platter. You can serve it immediately or keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Surround the cheeseball with your favorite low-carb crackers, whole-grain crackers, or fresh vegetable dippers like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices for a healthier alternative to traditional crackers.
The cheeseball can also be served with whole wheat crackers or a variety of keto-friendly crackers for your guests who are mindful of their carbs. The mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese made from nuts or coconut. You can also use a cashew cream cheese alternative, which will give you a similar creamy texture. Just be sure to check the nutritional info to ensure it’s low in carbs and fits within your Weight Watchers points. - Add Other Vegetables:
You can get creative and add other finely diced vegetables like red bell pepper, carrot, or even cucumber for extra crunch. Just be sure to keep the vegetables finely chopped to maintain the smooth texture of the cheeseball. - Reduce Calories Further:
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count even more, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content while keeping the cheeseball creamy. - Use Different Nuts:
While pecans are traditional, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Toasted walnuts would add an interesting flavor twist. - Serve with Veggies:
If you prefer a lower-carb, lighter version of this dish, serve your cheeseball with fresh vegetables such as bell pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted Brussels sprouts. These veggies will bring out the fresh, tangy flavors of the pineapple and cream cheese while keeping things light. - Make Mini Cheeseballs:
For individual servings, divide the mixture into smaller portions and shape each into a mini cheeseball. This is especially useful for parties and makes portion control easier.
Health Benefits of Pineapple Cheeseball
- Rich in Healthy Fats:
This recipe contains a good amount of healthy fats from pecans and cream cheese, which are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism and supporting brain function. - Low-Carb Option:
This pineapple cheeseball is a low-carb and Weight Watchers-friendly snack, which is perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake. By using reduced-fat cream cheese and finely chopped vegetables, you’re creating a satisfying and nutritious appetizer that’s not packed with empty calories. - Nutrient-Dense Ingredients:
The