Description
This Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive and creative appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy Neufchatel and Gruyere cheeses seasoned with dry onion soup mix, the cheese mixture is skillfully shaped into pinecone-like ovals and decorated with toasted almonds and fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles. Served chilled with Wheat Thins, it offers a delightful savory bite that is sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 pkg. (8 oz each) Neufchatel cheese, softened
- 1 env. (1 oz) Dry onion soup mix
- 4 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
Decoration
- 1 cup Almonds, toasted (whole almonds)
- 1/4 cup Sliced almonds, toasted (slivered almonds)
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, 5 inches each
- Wheat Thins crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Mix Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened Neufchatel cheese together with the dry onion soup mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Add Gruyere Cheese: Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese thoroughly until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Divide Mixture: Divide the cheese mixture in half to form two equal portions.
- Shape Pinecones: Shape each half into an oval approximately 5 inches by 2½ inches, tapering one end slightly to resemble a pinecone shape. Place both shaped cheese balls on a serving plate, leaving space around each.
- Decorate with Almonds: Insert the toasted whole almonds into the cheese in horizontal rows and at a slight angle on one cheese ball to form the ‘scales’ of the pinecone. Use the toasted sliced almonds similarly on the other to create texture variation.
- Add Rosemary Sprigs: Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs around the pinecones on the plate to simulate pine tree branches and add a fragrant herbal touch.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pinecone cheese balls for 2 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with Wheat Thins as an accompaniment.
Notes
- Soften the Neufchatel cheese adequately beforehand for easier mixing and shaping.
- To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until light golden and fragrant.
- Letting the cheese balls sit at room temperature before serving enhances the flavor and makes spreading easier.
- This recipe yields two pinecone-shaped cheese balls—perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.
- Use fresh rosemary for the most authentic pine needle look and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (approx. 68g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
