Creative Culinary

Food and Cocktail Recipes l Denver, CO

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beans and Lentils
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Cookies, Brownies and Bars
    • Meat and Fish
      • Beef
      • Chicken and Turkey
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Fish, Seafood
    • Pasta, Potatoes, Rice & Grains
    • Pizza
    • Pressure Cooker Favorites
    • Salads, Dressings, Marinades, Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Friday Cocktails
    • Cocktail News
    • Bourbon
    • Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Liqueurs
    • Mocktails
    • Rum
    • Scotch
    • Tequila
    • Vodka
  • About
    • Tips for High Altitude Baking
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Food Blogs in Colorado
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beans and Lentils
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Cookies, Brownies and Bars
    • Meat and Fish
      • Beef
      • Chicken and Turkey
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Fish, Seafood
    • Pasta, Potatoes, Rice & Grains
    • Pizza
    • Pressure Cooker Favorites
    • Salads, Dressings, Marinades, Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Friday Cocktails
    • Cocktail News
    • Bourbon
    • Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Liqueurs
    • Mocktails
    • Rum
    • Scotch
    • Tequila
    • Vodka
  • About
    • Tips for High Altitude Baking
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Food Blogs in Colorado
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Contact
 
You are here: Home / Cheese / Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball

Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball

December 1, 2016 10 Comments

Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball Covered with Pecans and Parsley

If you think a cheese ball old-fashioned, try my updated Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries. Cranberries and Gorgonzola make for a new taste and it’s sensational!

Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries

I wrote a post yesterday that I’ll be publishing next week that has a story that winds its way across years and states and old friendships and ended with a spectacular main course meant for the holidays. Sometimes that happens; when food and food memories make for a real tale. That wasn’t exactly the case with this Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries!

No, this is simply a story about a very old recipe stuck on my blog from 1996 when I actually never wrote stories or took photographs but simply had a catalog of recipes I loved. I happened to notice that someone had visited the page in my blog stats. One lonely person.

So I decided it was high time to bring this into the new century, update it a bit and was sort of amazed myself at how well it was received by friends.

Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries

With some surprise, between the time I decided to do a redo and the time I got it done, David Lebovitz had published a recipe for, of all things, a cheese ball. Cheese balls are definitely a blast from the past. There were once a mainstay of holiday parties that today might be considered the dinosaurs of appetizers.

Kim Severson with Food 52 even queried last week which was more outdated, cheese balls or fondue. I was  happy to see that both still had their fans and encouraged that even Mr. Lebovitz found some redemption in the lowly cheese ball I forged ahead.

Gone was the Neufchâtel cheese; the similarity between it and cream cheese makes having some of each unnecessary in my book. I decided to revise the flavor profile and instead add some Gorgonzola cheese for a bit stronger flavor.

What do I love with Gorgonzola most? Well, fruit of course. So I pitched the red pepper and subbed in some dried cranberries. While I might have discovered years ago that red pepper is not green pepper which I, um, don’t care for much…given a choice it’s not on my list of of preferences so this was easy.

If they had not been called for I would have covered this mixture in nuts but they were; I simply toasted them first. I’ve found I’m one of those that like both walnuts and pecans in their toasted form considerably more than when raw so I do that almost all the time now; from cookies to cake to stuffing to well…cheese balls!

Credit Mr. Lebovitz with the addition of the parsley…his looked pretty and I decided to do the same and yes…MUCH prettier.

Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries

The real test was in the tasting. As I often do when I’m making something for the blog, I called my taste testers. You might know them as neighbors. I had some leftovers and this cheese ball and when they showed up we sat at the table for a bit and chatted before I was going to warm up dinner.

Everyone had a glass of wine or beer and I served this Pecan Pineapple Cheese Ball with Gorgonzola Cheese and Dried Cranberries with some crackers. Seriously there were raves. People devoured this pup. People asked if they could take some home with them. There was none to take home.

My one friend, who is normally a pretty dainty eater, could not stop. I think it was her dinner. Really it was THAT good. And so easy.

So forget the notion that the cheese ball is outdated and passé. Ignore that some might think those mainstays of the 70’s are long gone. Try this combination and I’ll bet you’ll agree…something old really can be new again!

PIN IT! ‘Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball’

Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball Covered with Pecans and Parsley

Yield: 8 Servings

Pecan Pineapple Cheese Ball with Gorgonzola Cheese and Dried Cranberries

Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball Covered with Pecans and Parsley

Updating an old recipe with the addition of Gorgonzola cheese and dried cranberries definitely made something old new again and tastier than ever.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Inactive Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 packages cream cheese
  • 4 oz butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (20 oz) drained
  • 2 Tbsp diced green onion
  • 1/2 c dried cranberries
  • 1-2 tsp sea salt to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Instructions

Using a stand mixer, blend all ingredients on low speed except nuts and parsley. Place in fridge for 30 minutes. Split mixture in half and form into two balls and roll first in nuts, then in chopped parsley. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers and fresh fruit if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 839mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 3gSugar: 9gProtein: 5g

The nutritional information is computer-generated and only an estimate.

© Creative Culinary
Cuisine: American / Category: Cheese

« Turkey, Cranberry and Cream Cheese Sandwich
Crown Roast of Pork with Wild Rice Stuffing and Caramelized Orange Sauce »

Comments

  1. John/Kitchen Riffs says

    December 1, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    I haven't had a cheese ball in ages. And it's been longer since that than I've made one! This looks terrific, and something I should try -- I'm a sucker for gorgonzola. Looks wonderful -- thanks.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 1, 2016 at 5:49 pm

      I hadn't had one in years John but this one? I'll be making it again soon for a party...we just LOVED it!
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Italian Cheesy Bites - The Fed Up Foodie says:
    November 4, 2017 at 5:33 am
    […] Creative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries […]
    Reply
  2. Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs: A Festive Spin on a Classic says:
    August 15, 2017 at 8:53 pm
    […] Swing Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and Herbs Creative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries FN Dish: Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover […]
    Reply
  3. 7 Lighter Ways to Kick Off Your Holiday Meal says:
    March 3, 2017 at 1:15 am
    […] Swing Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and Herbs Creative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries FN Dish: Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover […]
    Reply
  4. Holiday Entertaining: Oysters and Caviar - Taste With The Eyes says:
    December 2, 2016 at 12:27 pm
    […] Swing Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and Herbs Creative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries FN Dish: Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover […]
    Reply
  5. Spread Holiday Cheer with These Cheesy Appetizers | Your Health Guide says:
    December 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm
    […] Swing Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and Herbs Creative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries FN Dish: Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover […]
    Reply
  6. Miso Mashed Idaho® Potato Stuffed Mushrooms | The Wimpy Vegetarian says:
    December 1, 2016 at 12:27 pm
    […] Swing Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and Herbs Creative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries FN Dish: Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover […]
    Reply
  7. Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover Around – VIPortal Food says:
    December 1, 2016 at 12:10 pm
    […] Devour: Spread Holiday Cheer with These Cheesy AppetizersThe Lemon Bowl: Baba Ganoush RecipeThe Wimpy Vegetarian: Miso Mashed Potato Stuffed MushroomsThe Mom 100: Crispy Baked Sweet Potato FriesA Mind “Full” Mom: Christmas Tree Deviled EggsThe Fed Up Foodie: Italian Cheesy BitesHealthy Eats: 7 Lighter Ways to Kick Off Your Holiday MealTaste with the Eyes: Holiday Entertaining: Oysters with CaviarSwing Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and HerbsCreative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries […]
    Reply
  8. 7 Lighter Ways to Kick Off Your Holiday Meal – VIPortal Food says:
    December 1, 2016 at 12:10 pm
    […] Eats: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese, Marcona Almonds, and HerbsCreative Culinary: Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried CranberriesFN Dish: Easy, Cheesy Appetizers Your Holiday Guests Will Hover […]
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

 

SUBSCRIBE and NEVER MISS A RECIPE!


Recipes by Category

Recipes by Month

Amazon Disclosure

Creative Culinary is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com .

About Me

I’m Barbara Kiebel, the cook, photographer, author, and everyday eater at Creative Culinary. I hope you enjoy the recipes I prepare for family and friends and appreciate every one of you that come visit my virtual home! Read More…

About – Privacy Policy – Terms of Use – Contact Us

Copyright © 2020 Creative Culinary

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
MENU
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beans and Lentils
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Cookies, Brownies and Bars
    • Meat and Fish
      • Beef
      • Chicken and Turkey
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Fish, Seafood
    • Pasta, Potatoes, Rice & Grains
    • Pizza
    • Pressure Cooker Favorites
    • Salads, Dressings, Marinades, Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Friday Cocktails
    • Cocktail News
    • Bourbon
    • Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Liqueurs
    • Mocktails
    • Rum
    • Scotch
    • Tequila
    • Vodka
  • About
    • Tips for High Altitude Baking
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Food Blogs in Colorado
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Contact