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Pinecone Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 137 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes (toasting almonds)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8-10
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive and visually stunning appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy Neufchatel cheese, dry onion soup mix, and shredded Gruyere, it’s shaped into pinecones and decorated with toasted almonds and fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble a beautiful rustic holiday centerpiece. Served with Wheat Thins, this crowd-pleaser combines savory flavors with a charming presentation that enhances any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Mixture

  • 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 almonds for one pine cone)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (for the other pine cone)
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, 5 inches long

Serving

  • Wheat Thins (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened Neufchatel cheese together with the dry onion soup mix until well blended and smooth.
  2. Add Shredded Cheese: Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Shape the Cheese Balls: Divide the cheese mixture into two equal halves. Shape each half into an oval approximately 5 by 2.5 inches, with one end slightly pointed to resemble the shape of a pinecone. Place the two pinecone shapes on a serving plate, leaving space around them.
  4. Decorate with Almonds: Insert the toasted nuts into the cheese ovals at a slight angle, arranging them in horizontal rows. Use whole almonds for one pinecone and slivered almonds for the other, mimicking pinecone scales.
  5. Add Rosemary Sprigs: Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs around the cheese pinecones on the serving plate to resemble pine tree branches, enhancing the festive look.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the pinecones for 2 hours to allow them to firm up and flavors to meld.
  7. Bring to Serving Temperature: Remove from the refrigerator and let the pinecones stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for optimal spreading consistency.
  8. Serve: Serve the pinecone cheese balls with Wheat Thins for guests to enjoy as a savory and decorative appetizer.

Notes

  • Both Neufchatel and cream cheese can be used for this recipe with great results; Neufchatel is slightly lower in fat for a lighter option.
  • To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool before using.
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs enhance the visual appeal and offer a subtle pine aroma, but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • This cheese ball can be made a day ahead; keep refrigerated and decorate just before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/10 of cheese ball with almonds and crackers
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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