Save A festive, bite-sized appetizer featuring creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and a touch of Champagne, shaped to resemble champagne corks&mdashperfect for celebrations and parties.
I enjoy making these cheese balls for family gatherings as they always impress guests and bring festive cheer.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 100 g goat cheese, softened, 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Flavorings: 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp Champagne or sparkling wine, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp lemon zest, Salt to taste
- Coating: 75 g crushed toasted walnuts (or pecans), 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill), mixed
- Decoration: 20 thin pretzel sticks or mini breadsticks
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Stir in chives, parsley, Champagne, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3:
- Chill the cheese mixture for 15–20 minutes to firm up, making shaping easier.
- Step 4:
- In a shallow dish, mix the crushed walnuts and chopped herbs for the coating.
- Step 5:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled cheese mixture and shape each into a small cylinder, resembling a Champagne cork.
- Step 6:
- Roll each cheese ball in the walnut-herb coating to cover completely.
- Step 7:
- Insert a pretzel stick or mini breadstick vertically into the top of each cheese ball as the cork stem.
- Step 8:
- Arrange on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save These cheese balls are a favorite at family parties and are always met with enthusiasm and smiles.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Electric mixer or sturdy spoon, Shallow dish (for coating), Measuring spoons, Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Tree Nuts (walnuts or pecans), Gluten (if using regular pretzel sticks or breadsticks). To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadsticks/pretzels and check cheese labels. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 85, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 3 g per cheese ball
Save These cheese balls add a festive touch to any gathering and are simple to make ahead of time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses are best for these bites?
Using a blend of cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan creates a smooth, tangy, and slightly sharp flavor profile that balances well.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the coating?
Yes, crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds can replace walnuts to accommodate allergies without losing texture.
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture easily?
Chilling the mixture for 15–20 minutes firms it up, making it easier to roll into cylinder shapes.
- → What wine pairs well with these bites?
Dry sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco complement the creamy and herbaceous flavors perfectly.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free breadsticks or pretzels and verifying cheese labels, these bites can be gluten-free.