Looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, creamy, and just a touch tropical? Meet your new weeknight favorite: Heavenly Cheeseballs with Pineapples. These golden, crisp-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside cheese balls are infused with the sweet-tangy brightness of pineapple—creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite. Whether served as a warm appetizer, a party snack, or a light dinner alongside a salad, these cheeseballs are irresistibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings.
Table of Contents
Heavenly Cheeseballs
Ingredients
For the Cheeseballs
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (125g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 2–3 cups depending on pan size)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Shredded cheddar
- Softened cream cheese
- Crushed pineapple
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper
- Green onions (if using)
Mix thoroughly until a cohesive, scoopable mixture forms. The texture should be firm enough to shape into balls—if it’s too soft, add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Form the Cheeseballs
- Scoop 1½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture and roll into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Bread the Cheeseballs
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1 – All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2 – Beaten egg
- Bowl 3 – Breadcrumbs
- Roll each chilled cheeseball in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure even coverage for a crunchy exterior.
💡 Pro tip: For an extra crispy layer, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheeseballs in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with toothpicks or on a platter. These pair beautifully with a honey-mustard dipping sauce or a mildly spicy pineapple chutney.
Cooking Notes & Variations
Substitutions
- Cheese: Use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a twist.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap for panko for a crunchier texture.
- Pineapple: Fresh finely chopped pineapple works just as well as canned—just drain thoroughly.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispness.
- Freeze uncooked cheeseballs (after breading) for up to 1 month; fry directly from frozen, adding 1 extra minute to cooking time.
Make It Lighter
- Bake instead of frying: Place breaded balls on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these cheeseballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form and bread the cheeseballs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry or bake.
Q2: What dip goes best with these cheeseballs?
Great options include:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Pineapple-mango salsa
- Creamy sriracha mayo
Their sweet-savory profile pairs wonderfully with tangy or spicy dips.
Q3: Can I use low-fat cheese?
You can, but the meltiness might be reduced. Mix with some full-fat mozzarella or cream cheese to help with texture and richness.
Keto / Low-Carb Version
With a few swaps, these cheeseballs can be adapted for keto diets:
Ingredients Swaps
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for dredging.
- Use pork rind crumbs or keto breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Stick with full-fat cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese).
Instructions
- Follow the same steps, but keep an eye on frying temperature—nut flours and pork rinds can brown quickly.
Each keto ball contains roughly 2–3g net carbs, depending on the specific cheese and coating used.
Final Thoughts
Heavenly Cheeseballs with Pineapples are exactly that—heavenly. With their gooey centers, crispy shells, and a whisper of pineapple sweetness, they’re bound to become a regular in your rotation. They work as a fun finger food for parties, a comforting late-night snack, or even as a quirky side for family dinners. Try them once, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!
