Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Pinecone Holiday Cheese Ball featuring creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and crunchy almond slices arranged to resemble a pinecone. Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining, this crowd-pleaser combines cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, Parmesan, and flavorful seasonings to create a savory spread that is both visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mix
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 – 8 oz blocks)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Coating & Garnish
- 1 1/3 cups sliced almonds
- Additional fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary stems (for garnish)
- Cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cream the Base: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and mayonnaise using a handheld mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and creamy base for the cheese ball.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the shredded white cheddar, grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, chopped green onions, rosemary, thyme, dill, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixing bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and firmness.
- Shape the Cheese Balls: Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the bowl and form it into two oval shapes. Place these on a cutting board or serving platter to prepare for decoration.
- Apply Almond Coating: Press sliced almonds at an angle starting at the bottom of each cheese ball, working your way upward until the entire surface is covered, mimicking the appearance of pinecone scales.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the tops with fresh herb stems such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary, and add cranberries for a festive touch before serving.
Notes
- For best results, chill the cheese mixture overnight to allow flavors to meld and make the balls easier to shape.
- You can use different nuts if preferred, but sliced almonds provide the best pinecone texture.
- This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable crudités.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance both appearance and aroma.
