Champagne Cork Cheese Balls (Printable)

Creamy cheese bites with herbs and champagne-inspired flavor, shaped for festive occasions.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method:

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 thoroughly combined.
03 - Refrigerate the cheese mixture for 15–20 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
04 - Mix crushed walnuts and chopped fresh herbs in a shallow dish to create the coating.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled mixture and shape each into a small cylinder resembling a Champagne cork.
06 - Roll each shaped cheese piece in the walnut-herb mixture until fully coated.
07 - Insert a pretzel stick or mini breadstick vertically into the top of each cheese cylinder to simulate the cork stem.
08 - Arrange the prepared cheese pieces on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bite-sized and festive appetizer
  • Creamy cheeses combined with fresh herbs and Champagne flavor
02 -
  • For a nut-free version substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for the walnut coating
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens especially when substituting
03 -
  • Chill the mixture properly to make shaping easier
  • Use fresh herbs for best flavor and appearance
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