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Pine Cone Cheese Ball

A pine cone-shaped cheese ball garnished with fresh rosemary and covered with almonds, displayed on a white plate.

A Pine Cone Cheese Ball adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering. With a creamy cheese base, fresh herbs, and a crunchy almond coating, it’s not only delicious but also eye-catching.

This crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for grazing tables and pairs well with crackers, vegetables, or crusty bread. Shaped like a pine cone, it brings a hint of holiday charm to your spread.

Time
Prep Time: 30 mins Total Time: 30 mins
Servings 16
Description

This Pine Cone Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer that brings together creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and crunchy almonds in a presentation that resembles a pine cone. A beautiful addition to your holiday table that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8-ounce)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • ½ clove garlic, minced (or more to taste)
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup whole almonds (or as needed)
  • 3 large fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, parsley, tarragon, thyme, garlic, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-mixed.
  2. Transfer the cheese mixture to a serving platter and shape it into an oval, tapered at one end to resemble a pine cone.
  3. Starting at the tapered end, press almonds into the cheese shape so that each almond’s tip points outward and downward, covering the cheese ball completely.
  4. Add rosemary sprigs at the top for a pine needle effect.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 16


Amount Per Serving
Calories 176kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 36mg12%
Sodium 130mg6%
Potassium 119mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 6g12%

Vitamin C 1 mg
Calcium 69 mg
Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve the Pine Cone Cheese Ball with assorted crackers and fresh vegetables to balance the creamy texture and nutty crunch.