Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pinecone Cheese Ball with Almonds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes (for toasting almonds)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive and visually striking appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy Neufchatel cheese blended with dry onion soup mix and shredded Gruyere, it is shaped to resemble pinecones and decorated with toasted almonds and fresh rosemary to mimic pine needles. Served chilled with crunchy Wheat Thins, it offers a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

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

Toppings and Garnishes

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

Serving

  • Wheat Thins crackers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened Neufchatel cheese and dry onion soup mix together until well blended and smooth. Then, add the shredded Gruyere cheese and mix thoroughly until combined evenly.
  2. Shape the Cheese Balls: Divide the cheese mixture into two equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval approximately 5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, tapering one end slightly to create a pinecone shape. Place the shaped cheese balls on a serving plate, leaving space between them.
  3. Decorate with Almonds: Carefully insert the toasted almonds into the cheese balls at a slight angle, arranging them horizontally in rows to form the pinecone texture. Use whole almonds for one pinecone and sliced almonds for the other to create variation in appearance.
  4. Add Rosemary Sprigs: Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs around the pinecones on the serving plate to simulate pine tree branches and enhance the festive presentation.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the decorated cheese balls for at least 2 hours to allow them to set and develop flavors. Before serving, let the pinecones stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.
  6. Serve with Crackers: Offer the pinecone cheese balls with Wheat Thins or your preferred crackers for guests to enjoy as a savory appetizer.

Notes

  • Soften the Neufchatel cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and golden.
  • For a dairy-free or vegan variation, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegan-friendly soup mix.
  • Make the cheese balls up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated, decorating almonds and rosemary just before serving for freshness.
  • If desired, substitute other sturdy nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (approximately 3 oz)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Find it online: https://evelynseats.com/pinecone-cheese-ball-with-almonds-recipe/