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Pinecone Cheese Ball

Pinecone Cheese Ball

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

The Pinecone Cheese Ball is a visually stunning and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy (plant-based) cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and a natural gelling agent. Shaped like a pinecone with layered bacon scales and garnished with fresh chives and nuts, this versatile snack is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful combination of creamy, smoky, and crunchy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 8 oz creamy (plant-based) cheese
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Pinecone Scales

  • 5 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into small tapered pieces

Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For Serving

  • Plain crackers or bread slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Base: Start by combining creamy (plant-based) cheese with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Mix well until the ingredients are smoothly blended and thick enough to hold a shape without crumbling.
  2. Shape the Cheese: Using clean hands or a spatula, form the cheese mixture into an oval resembling a pinecone’s base. Chill the shape briefly to help it firm up and make the next step easier.
  3. Create the Pinecone Scales: Cut the smoked turkey bacon into small, tapered pieces that mimic pinecone scales. Press these carefully into the cheese ball, layering them in an overlapping pattern around the surface. This adds both visual interest and a smoky crunch.
  4. Garnish with Chives and Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped chives over the top to bring a hint of fresh color and flavor. If desired, add chopped nuts on one side for an extra nutty layer of texture.
  5. Chill and Serve: Let the Pinecone Cheese Ball rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and firmness to improve. Serve chilled with crackers or bread slices for dipping and spreading.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cheese to blend easier and create a smoother base without lumps.
  • Chill the shaped cheese ball before adding bacon to improve the scale adhesion.
  • Cut bacon uniformly for a consistent pinecone appearance.
  • Use just enough natural gelling agent to hold without making the texture rubbery.
  • Prepare ahead; the cheese ball develops better flavors after resting overnight.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball with crackers
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pinecone cheese ball, plant-based cheese appetizer, smoky cheese ball, holiday appetizer, party snack

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/pinecone-cheese-ball/