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Pinecone Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 pinecone cheese balls, serves approximately 8-10
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This festive Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball combines creamy Neufchatel and Gruyere cheeses with a flavorful dry onion soup mix, shaped into elegant pinecone forms. Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and are artfully arranged to mimic pinecone scales, while fresh rosemary sprigs complete the look with a touch of greenery. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this appetizer pairs wonderfully with Wheat Thins for a savory, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 2 packages (8 oz each) Neufchatel cheese, softened
  • 1 envelope (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
  • 4 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded

Decorations and Garnishes

  • 1 cup almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, about 5 inches each
  • Wheat Thins, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Base: Beat the softened Neufchatel cheese and dry onion soup mix together in a medium bowl until well blended and smooth, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  2. Add Gruyere Cheese: Fold in the shredded Gruyere cheese, mixing thoroughly to combine the cheeses and create a slightly textured base.
  3. Divide and Shape: Divide the cheese mixture into two equal halves. Shape each half into an oval approximately 5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, tapering one end slightly to resemble a pinecone shape.
  4. Arrange on Plate: Place both pinecone-shaped cheese balls on a serving plate, spacing them out to allow room for garnishes and visual appeal.
  5. Insert Almonds: Insert the toasted whole almonds into one pinecone and the sliced almonds into the other. Place the nuts at a slight angle and in horizontal rows to mimic the overlapping scales of a pinecone.
  6. Add Rosemary Branches: Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs around and between the cheese balls to simulate pine tree branches, enhancing the festive appearance.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cheese balls for 2 hours to allow them to firm up and develop flavors.
  8. Serve: Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with Wheat Thins for a delicious and festive appetizer.

Notes

  • You can use cream cheese instead of Neufchatel if preferred; both produce a great-tasting cheese ball.
  • Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the appetizer.
  • Letting the cheese ball soften slightly at room temperature before serving improves the texture and flavor experience.
  • This cheese ball makes a wonderful centerpiece and snack for holiday gatherings or parties.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (approximate)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Find it online: https://tastyrates.com/pinecone-cheese-ball-recipe/