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 has become a holiday staple in my family because it combines elegance with easy preparation.
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 appetizer always brings joy to family gatherings and sparks conversations.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Electric mixer or sturdy spoon, Shallow dish for coating, Measuring spoons, Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Tree Nuts such as walnuts or pecans, Gluten if using regular pretzel sticks or breadsticks. Use gluten-free alternatives as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per cheese ball: 85 calories, 7 g total fat, 2 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Save Serve chilled for best taste and impress your guests with these elegant cheese balls.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used in the cheese bites?
The blend includes cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan for a creamy and tangy flavor.
- → How do I shape the cheese bites?
Chill the cheese mixture until firm, then scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into small cylinders to resemble corks.
- → What can I use for the coating if I have nut allergies?
Substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds instead of walnuts for a nut-free coating.
- → Can I use different herbs in the mixture?
Yes, fresh chives, parsley, and dill can be combined or swapped to suit your taste preferences.
- → How should these cheese bites be served?
Serve chilled on a platter, with pretzel sticks inserted to mimic champagne corks, ideal for celebrations and parties.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free breadsticks or pretzels and checking all labels for gluten-containing ingredients.