Festive "Pinecone" Cheese Ball
This festive cheese ball, shaped like a pinecone and adorned with almonds and rosemary, is a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. It's easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is sure to impress your guests.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- serving platter
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 packages cream cheese 8-ounce, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pimentos (or red bell pepper)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Decoration & Serving
- 1 1/2 cups whole roasted almonds
- fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- crackers or pretzels for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
Assembly
- Shape the cheese mixture into an elongated pinecone shape on a serving platter, tapering to a point at the top.
- Starting from the pointed end, press roasted almonds into the cheese, overlapping them to resemble pinecone scales, until the entire ball is covered.
- Garnish the base with fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles.
Chilling and Serving
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, covered loosely, to allow flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
- Serve chilled withcrackers or pretzels.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, you can add a few dried cranberries to the cheese mixture for color and a hint of sweetness. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free mixture.