Champagne Cork Cheese Bites (Printable version)

Creamy cheese bites infused with fresh herbs and Champagne, shaped to charm your guests.

# What you need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, softened
03 - 1.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavorings

04 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
05 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
06 - 1 tbsp Champagne or sparkling wine
07 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - ¼ tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp lemon zest
10 - Salt, to taste

→ Coating

11 - 2.6 oz crushed toasted walnuts or pecans
12 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill), mixed

→ Decoration

13 - 20 thin pretzel sticks or mini breadsticks

# Steps to follow:

01 - In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
02 - Stir in chives, parsley, Champagne, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Refrigerate the cheese mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
04 - Combine crushed walnuts and chopped herbs in a shallow dish to create the coating.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled cheese mixture and form into small cylinders resembling Champagne corks.
06 - Roll each cheese cylinder in the walnut-herb mixture until fully coated.
07 - Insert a pretzel stick or mini breadstick vertically into the top of each cheese ball to resemble a cork stem.
08 - Arrange the finished cheese balls on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Creamy and flavorful cheese balls
  • Perfect for celebrations and easy to prepare
02 -
  • For a nut-free version substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for the walnut coating
  • Pairs beautifully with dry sparkling wines or Prosecco
03 -
  • Chill the cheese mixture well before shaping for easier handling
  • Use fresh herbs for a vibrant and fresh flavor
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