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Pinecone Cheese Ball with Nuts and Rosemary Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes (toasting almonds)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10-12 as an appetizer
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive and visually appealing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy Neufchatel cheese blended with dry onion soup mix and shredded Gruyere cheese, it’s shaped into charming pinecone forms adorned with toasted whole and sliced almonds. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a touch of natural greenery, making this cheese ball look like rustic pine tree branches. Served with crisp Wheat Thins, it’s an elegant and tasty starter that’s sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball

  • 2 packages (8 oz each) Neufchatel cheese, softened
  • 1 envelope (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
  • 4 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded

Toppings and Garnish

  • 1 cup almonds, toasted (whole)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, 5 inches each

Serving

  • Wheat Thins crackers

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened Neufchatel cheese and dry onion soup mix until fully blended and smooth.
  2. Add Shredded Cheese: Mix in the shredded Gruyere cheese thoroughly until evenly combined with the Neufchatel mixture.
  3. Divide the Mixture: Split the cheese mixture evenly into two portions.
  4. Shape the Pinecones: Shape each portion into an oval approximately 5 inches long by 2.5 inches wide, tapering slightly at one end to create a pinecone shape. Place both on a serving plate, leaving some space around them.
  5. Attach Almonds: Insert the toasted whole almonds into one pinecone and the toasted sliced almonds into the other pinecone. Place the nuts at a slight angle and in horizontal rows to mimic pinecone scales, pressing them gently into the cheese mixture so they hold securely.
  6. Add Rosemary Branches: Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs around the pinecones on the plate to simulate pine tree branches, enhancing the festive look.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the cheese pinecones for 2 hours to allow them to firm up and the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve: Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to soften slightly for ideal spreadability. Serve alongside Wheat Thins crackers for dipping and scooping.

Notes

  • Be sure to soften the Neufchatel cheese well to make mixing easier.
  • To toast almonds, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring once.
  • Allowing the cheese balls to come to room temperature before serving enhances the flavors and makes spreading easier.
  • Fresh rosemary not only looks great but adds a subtle pine aroma to the dish.
  • This cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Find it online: https://comfortplates.com/pinecone-cheese-ball-with-nuts-and-rosemary-recipe/