Save A festive, bite-sized appetizer featuring creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and a touch of Champagne, shaped to resemble champagne corks perfect for celebrations and parties.
This recipe was an instant hit at our last holiday gathering, with everyone loving the unique presentation and delicious taste.
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 Making these cheese balls always brings a smile to our family, especially when kids excitedly help shape the corks and add the pretzel stems.
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 are an elegant and tasty addition to any party, sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used in these bites?
The bites use cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan for a smooth and tangy flavor.
- → How is the coating prepared?
Crushed toasted walnuts mixed with finely chopped fresh herbs create a flavorful coating that adds texture and color.
- → Can I make a nut-free variation?
Yes, substituting crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for the walnut coating works well.
- → Why are pretzel sticks used?
Pretzel sticks serve as a decorative stem resembling a champagne cork's top, adding crunch and visual appeal.
- → What pairs well with these bites?
Dry sparkling wines or Prosecco complement the creamy, herb-infused flavors perfectly.
- → How long can these bites be stored?
Keep them refrigerated and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.