

- 1 ¼ cups almonds
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup crumbled bacon pieces or packaged Real Bacon Bits
- 1 jalapeño, diced and seeds removed
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese, grated
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: sprigs of rosemary for garnish
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, bacon bits, diced jalapeño, and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use clean hands and work the ingredients together to create a large ball. Chill overnight in covered bowl to allow flavors to blend.
- On a serving platter, divide cheese mixture into 2 portions and shape each into a pine cone. This works best by simply using your hands to roll each portion into a ball, then gently squeezing on end downwards to create somewhat of a narrow point.
- Press the almonds at a slight angle into the cheese, starting at the narrow end of the pine cone shape. Continue to overlap rows until all of the cheese is covered.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve at room temperature with crackers or toasted crostini.
- This cheese ball has a slight spiciness to it from the pepper jack cheese and jalapeño. To create a milder flavor, simply replace the pepper jack cheese with a milder cheese and substitute the jalapeño with green onions.
These are so awesome looking. I’m going to have to try this.
This looks great! pinning it. Have a great week 🙂
This is really so pretty too! I just love the idea!
Cute and simple- my idea for the perfect party snack! Thanks for sharing!
That is so cute, and looks really yummy!
We always make a cheeseball during the holidays. Thanks for the pinecone shaped inspiration!
This Pine Cone Cheese Ball Appetizer is a wonderful and unique idea. I would love to make this and it seems delicious too! My family would be impressed!
This is such a great idea and so cute! Thanks for sharing!
This is SO cute!! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
How cute is that cheeseball?
This sounds delicious, and it is so festive to look at. I love that you showed us the picture of the cheese ball before you put the almonds on, too, to show us the shape better.
Wow a great way to make an impression, and it sounds like it would be delish, too! Must do!
So adorable! I think this would look great on a holiday appetizer platter!
Looking out for something to bring to a potluck..this looks quite festive!
What an awesome idea! It’s great to have a different recipe. I’m going to try it!
I just pinned your awesome Pine Cone Cheese Ball to my Appetizers, can’t wait to make it! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Love these! They look great and I’m sure they are delicious. Pinning!
This sounds so yummy. PInned & shared. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party.
What a great idea. they look too good to eat!
This is just fab! I hope you bring it over to Food on Friday: Cherries & Almonds. Cheers from Carole’s Chatter
This is so lovely. Thanks for sharing with small victories.
This sounds like the perfect appetizer for Christmas or anytime of the year! Thanks for sharing on Full Plate Thursday 🙂
These are so festive!
Brilliant idea!
Thanks
Michelle
These are so cute. I’m glad that I came to the Link Party Palooza and happened to see them. I am going to make one of these for a party this weekend. Thanks for sharing.
So beautiful I dont want to touch it! lol. This is going to be one of my features at http://www.fabifabu.com/2016/12/04/inspiration-galore-project-party-. Thanks for sharing hope to see you again and again.