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Pinecone Cheese Ball with Almonds and Rosemary Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 146 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cheese balls (serves approximately 8-12 people as appetizer)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Create a festive and visually striking Pinecone Shaped Cheese Ball, perfect for holiday gatherings or party appetizers. This easy no-cook recipe combines creamy Neufchatel cheese, savory onion soup mix, and flavorful Gruyere cheese, decorated with toasted almonds and fresh rosemary to mimic a pinecone’s look. Serve with crunchy Wheat Thins for a delightful snack.

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

Serving

  • Wheat Thins crackers

Instructions

  1. Mix Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, beat softened Neufchatel cheese and dry onion soup mix together until fully blended and smooth.
  2. Add Shredded Cheese: Incorporate the shredded Gruyere cheese into the mixture and mix well to ensure even distribution.
  3. Divide Mixture: Split the cheese mixture evenly into two portions.
  4. Shape Pinecones: Shape each half into an oval approximately 5×2-1/2 inches, tapering slightly at one end to mimic the shape of a pinecone.
  5. Arrange on Plate: Place both pinecone shapes on a serving plate with space between them.
  6. Decorate with Almonds: Insert whole toasted almonds at a slight angle in horizontal rows into one pinecone to resemble scales. Use toasted slivered almonds on the second pinecone in the same way.
  7. Add Rosemary Sprigs: Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs around the pinecones on the plate to simulate pine branches and add a festive touch.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the decorated cheese balls for 2 hours to allow them to firm up.
  9. Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with Wheat Thins crackers.

Notes

  • Soften the Neufchatel cheese to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
  • To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
  • Allowing the cheese balls to soften at room temperature before serving enhances the creamy texture.
  • The rosemary sprigs not only add visual appeal but also contribute a fresh aroma that complements the cheese flavors.
  • This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until serving day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice serving with Wheat Thins (about 1 oz cheese ball + 5 crackers)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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