Pin it 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.
This recipe was a hit at our last holiday party and became an instant family favorite.
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.
Pin it This appetizer always brings smiles and laughter when shared with friends and family during the holidays.
Notes
For a nut-free version, substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for the walnut coating. Swap goat cheese for blue cheese or feta for a flavor twist. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Electric mixer or sturdy spoon, Shallow dish (for coating), Measuring spoons, Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Tree Nuts (walnuts or pecans), Gluten (if using regular pretzel sticks or breadsticks). To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadsticks or pretzels and check cheese labels.
Pin it These Champagne Cork Cheese Balls are a delightful starter that adds elegance to any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese bites properly?
Chill the cheese mixture until firm, then scoop tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll into cylinders to mimic champagne corks.
- → Can I substitute the coating to avoid nuts?
Yes, replace crushed walnuts with gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- → What cheeses work best in this mix?
Cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan create a smooth, flavorful blend, but blue cheese or feta can offer a unique twist.
- → Is Champagne essential for flavor?
The Champagne adds a subtle sparkle and acidity, but sparkling wine can be used as a tasty substitute.
- → How should these bites be served?
Arrange chilled cheese bites on a platter and serve cold, pairing wonderfully with dry sparkling wines or Prosecco.
- → Are they suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free breadsticks or pretzels and verify all ingredients to accommodate gluten-free needs.