Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pinecone Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 411 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (to toast almonds) or less if using pre-toasted almonds
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This festive Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball recipe is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy Neufchatel cheese blended with savory dry onion soup mix and Gruyere cheese is sculpted into holiday-themed shapes and decorated with almonds to resemble pinecones. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a natural touch, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Serve with Wheat Thins for an elegant and crowd-pleasing starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Mixture

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

Decorations

  • 1 cup almonds, toasted (whole)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary (about 5 inches each)

Serving

  • Wheat Thins crackers

Instructions

  1. Blend Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened Neufchatel cheese and dry onion soup mix together until fully blended and smooth.
  2. Add Gruyere Cheese: Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese thoroughly to combine with the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Divide Mixture: Split the cheese mixture into two equal halves.
  4. Shape Pinecones: Shape each half into an oval approximately 5 inches by 2.5 inches with a slightly pointed end to resemble a pinecone. Place both on a serving plate, allowing space around each.
  5. Decorate with Almonds: Insert whole toasted almonds into one pinecone and sliced toasted almonds into the other at a slight angle, arranging them in horizontal rows to mimic pinecone scales.
  6. Add Rosemary Sprigs: Tuck rosemary sprigs around the pinecones on the plate to resemble evergreen tree branches and enhance the festive look.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pinecones for 2 hours to firm up.
  8. Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with Wheat Thins crackers.

Notes

  • Allowing the cheese balls to soften slightly at room temperature improves texture and flavor.
  • To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
  • Neufchatel cheese is lower in fat than cream cheese but can be substituted if preferred.
  • Rosemary sprigs not only enhance presentation but also add a lovely aroma.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (approximately 2 ounces)
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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