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 appetizer quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings because of its 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 This recipe always brings smiles when shared at family parties especially during holiday seasons.
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
Per cheese ball: Calories 85, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 3 g
Save These cheese balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
Cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan provide a creamy yet tangy base for the bites.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free breadsticks or pretzels ensures the bites remain gluten-free.
- → How do the nuts enhance the flavor?
Toasted walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty depth that complements the creamy cheese.
- → Is it necessary to chill the mixture before shaping?
Chilling firms the mixture, making it easier to shape into uniform cylinders resembling corks.
- → What can be used for the cork stem if unavailable?
Thin pretzel sticks or mini breadsticks work well to imitate the cork stem and add a pleasant crunch.
- → Can I substitute the fresh herbs?
Yes, parsley, chives, and dill can be adjusted for personal flavor preferences or availability.