Pinecone Cheese Ball Recipe with Almonds

I recently went on a holiday gathering up to the mountains and found myself inspired by the surrounding nature. The leaves were golden, the air was crisp, and giant pine cones were gathered at the base of towering trees. Because the lake and mountain view was so stunning, I wanted to make an appetizer that was equally as beautiful and matched the environment. I made my Pinecone Cheese Balls (in advance) and quickly decorated them with almond slices prior to serving. 

I paired this fun appetizer with delicious fresh sparkling water complete with ice cubes that had fresh cranberries inside of them! Although everything was easy to put together, everyone gushed over the presentation.

It’s best to make the cheese mixture in advance so the flavors set up. These can keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, so they are also great for impromptu holiday gatherings with friends.

You Will Need:

• 1 8 oz. block of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can be mixed Monterey jack and cheddar)
• 1/4 cups diced green onions
• 1 clove garlic crushed (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• sliced almonds (at least 2 cups of whole unbroken ones)

How To Prepare:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well until everything is incorporated.

Form cheese into two balls. Using your hands, shape out two oblong cone shape bases. The bottom will be flat so it displays on a platter nicely.

Wrap shapes in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. It’s best to put the almonds on prior to serving, as almonds in the refrigerator will soften. Not a huge deal, but just be aware of the textural change if you must store a completed pinecone cheeseball in the fridge.

Carefully insert almonds upright and in the vertical position starting from the top and move in rows towards the bottom until the ‘pine cone’ is full.

Serve with firm crackers so they don’t break when the spread is applied, and enjoy!

Print

Yum

Pinecone Cheese Ball Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 2 pine cone cheeseballs

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz. block of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can be mixed Monterey jack and cheddar)
• 1/4 cups diced green onions
• 1 clove garlic crushed (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• sliced almonds (at least 2 cups of whole unbroken ones)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well until everything is incorporated.
2. Form cheese into two balls. Using your hands, shape out two oblong cone shape bases. The bottom will be flat so it displays on a platter nicely.
3. Wrap shapes in Saran wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. It's best to put the almonds on prior to serving, as almonds in the refrigerator will soften. Not a huge deal, but just be aware of the textural change if you must store a completed one in the fridge.
4. Carefully insert almonds upright and in the vertical position starting from the top and move in rows towards the bottom until the 'pine cone' is full.

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes

0.1

https://www.boredmom.com/entertaining/pinecone-cheese-ball-recipe

Enjoy your holidays!