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.
I first served these cheese balls at a holiday party and they quickly became the star of the table with their unique appearance and delicious flavor.
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 recipe always brings smiles when shared with family during celebrations and is a fun finger food everyone enjoys.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Electric mixer or sturdy spoon, Shallow dish (for coating), Measuring spoons, Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Tree Nuts (walnuts or pecans), Gluten (if using regular pretzel sticks or breadsticks). To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadsticks or pretzels and check cheese labels.
Nutritional Information
Per cheese ball: Calories 85, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 3 g
Save Enjoy these festive cheese balls as a delightful appetizer that impresses guests with both flavor and presentation.
Recipe Guide
- → What cheeses are used in these bites?
The bites combine cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan for a smooth and tangy flavor.
- → How is the Champagne flavor incorporated?
A small amount of Champagne or sparkling wine is mixed directly into the cheese blend to add a subtle celebratory note.
- → Can this be adapted for nut allergies?
Yes, crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds can replace the walnut coating for a nut-free version.
- → How should they be served for best taste?
Chill the bites before serving to enhance their texture and let the flavors meld.
- → What pairs well with these cheese bites?
They complement dry sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne, perfect for celebratory occasions.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free pretzel sticks or breadsticks and verifying cheese labels, they can be gluten-free.