PINE CONE CHEESE BALL APPETIZER
2015-11-08 16:45:57
Yields 2
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
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spaz926 says
November 28, 2015 at 2:54 pmThese are so awesome looking. I’m going to have to try this.
Brenda says
November 29, 2015 at 9:09 pmThis looks great! pinning it. Have a great week 🙂
Sandra Watts says
December 1, 2015 at 7:47 amThis is really so pretty too! I just love the idea!
Stephanie says
December 1, 2015 at 8:13 amCute and simple- my idea for the perfect party snack! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie says
December 1, 2015 at 10:01 amThat is so cute, and looks really yummy!
Erin - Suburban Simplicity says
December 1, 2015 at 6:14 pmWe always make a cheeseball during the holidays. Thanks for the pinecone shaped inspiration!
Maryann D. says
December 1, 2015 at 6:38 pmThis 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!
Sarah says
December 1, 2015 at 7:06 pmThis is such a great idea and so cute! Thanks for sharing!
Chellie says
December 1, 2015 at 7:59 pmThis is SO cute!! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Shelly says
December 2, 2015 at 7:07 pmHow cute is that cheeseball?
Jessica says
December 3, 2015 at 8:00 pmThis 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.
Rosie says
December 4, 2015 at 1:45 pmWow a great way to make an impression, and it sounds like it would be delish, too! Must do!
Melissa Kaylene says
December 6, 2015 at 12:31 amSo adorable! I think this would look great on a holiday appetizer platter!
Sheryl Siler says
December 6, 2015 at 8:04 pmLooking out for something to bring to a potluck..this looks quite festive!
Debi@Add Value To Your Home says
December 6, 2015 at 9:51 pmWhat an awesome idea! It’s great to have a different recipe. I’m going to try it!
Miz Helen says
December 7, 2015 at 12:26 pmI 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
Krista @ While He Was Napping says
December 9, 2015 at 9:16 pmLove these! They look great and I’m sure they are delicious. Pinning!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
December 10, 2015 at 12:45 amThis sounds so yummy. PInned & shared. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party.
Marsha A. says
December 10, 2015 at 10:13 amWhat a great idea. they look too good to eat!
Carole from Carole's Chatter says
December 10, 2015 at 1:17 pmThis is just fab! I hope you bring it over to Food on Friday: Cherries & Almonds. Cheers from Carole’s Chatter
Leigh Powell Hines says
December 12, 2015 at 5:10 pmThis is so lovely. Thanks for sharing with small victories.
Easypeasylifematters says
December 12, 2015 at 11:36 pmThis sounds like the perfect appetizer for Christmas or anytime of the year! Thanks for sharing on Full Plate Thursday 🙂
Michelle says
November 28, 2016 at 8:22 pmThese are so festive!
Brilliant idea!
Thanks
Michelle
Amy says
December 2, 2016 at 6:33 pmThese 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.
Fabiola Garcia-Guzman says
December 10, 2016 at 3:57 pmSo 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.