Save 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.
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.
Save 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/pretzels and check cheese labels. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 85, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 3 g per cheese ball
Save A perfect party appetizer to impress your guests and celebrate any occasion with style.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the coating?
Yes, crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds work well as alternative coatings for a nut-free option while maintaining texture.
- → What herbs enhance the cheese blends best?
Fresh chives, parsley, and dill add bright, aromatic notes that complement creamy cheeses beautifully.
- → Is sparkling wine essential for flavor?
While optional, a splash of sparkling wine adds a subtle, fruity sparkle that lifts the blend, enhancing the overall taste.
- → How should I store these cheese bites before serving?
Keep them refrigerated on a platter until serving to maintain firmness and freshness.
- → Can I use different cheeses instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely. Blue cheese or feta can be swapped for goat cheese to give a distinct flavor twist.