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.
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.
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Save Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used in these cheese balls?
Cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan combine for a rich and creamy texture.
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture effectively?
Chill the mixture first to firm it up, making it easier to form cylinders that resemble Champagne corks.
- → Can I substitute the walnut coating for allergies?
Yes, crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds can be used as a nut-free alternative.
- → What enhances the flavor besides the cheeses?
Fresh chives, parsley, a touch of Champagne, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest add bright, savory notes.
- → How are the ‘cork’ stems made?
Insert thin pretzel sticks or mini breadsticks vertically into each cheese cylinder for the cork effect.