Pinecone Cheese Ball
This Pinecone Cheese Ball is the ultimate Christmas Eve appetizer creamy, crunchy, and shaped like a festive pinecone. It’s easy to make ahead, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to be the hit of your holiday party.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Decoration
- 1 cup toasted almonds sliced
- fresh rosemary sprigs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into two small pinecones or one large one on a serving plate.
- Starting at the narrow end, press toasted almond slices into the cheese mixture in overlapping rows, like pinecone scales.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs to resemble pine needles, and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
- For best results, toast the almond slices briefly before using to enhance crunch and color.
- Add almonds just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Try variations with different nuts or cheeses to suit your taste.