Description
Create a festive and visually stunning Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball using creamy Neufchatel cheese, Gruyere, and a flavorful dry onion soup mix. This appetizer is decorated with almonds arranged to mimic pinecone scales and fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble tree branches, perfect for holiday parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 pkg. (8 oz each) Neufchatel cheese, softened
- 1 envelope (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 4 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
Decoration
- 1 cup almonds, toasted (whole)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (slivered)
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, 5 inches each
Serving
- Wheat Thins crackers
Instructions
- Mix Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened Neufchatel cheese and dry onion soup mix until well blended to create a flavorful base.
- Add Shredded Cheese: Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese thoroughly to incorporate into the mixture.
- Shape Cheese Balls: Divide the cheese mixture into two equal parts. Shape each half into an oval approximately 5 inches long by 2.5 inches wide, tapering to a slight point at one end to resemble a pinecone.
- Arrange on Plate: Place the shaped ovals on a serving plate with space around each for decoration.
- Decorate with Nuts: Insert toasted whole almonds into one pinecone-shaped ball and toasted sliced almonds into the other at a slight horizontal angle in rows to mimic the texture and look of pinecones.
- Add Rosemary Branches: Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the pinecones on the plate to resemble pine tree branches, enhancing the festive look.
- Chill: Refrigerate the decorated cheese balls for at least 2 hours to firm up the shape.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and allow to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, so the cheese softens slightly. Serve alongside Wheat Thins crackers for spreading.
Notes
- You can substitute Neufchatel cheese with regular cream cheese if preferred; either works well for this recipe.
- To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Letting the cheese balls soften slightly before serving enhances the spreadability and flavor.
- This appetizer is ideal for holiday parties and adds a festive touch to your spread with minimal effort.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of cheese ball with crackers (approx. 55g cheese mixture + 5 crackers)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
