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.
This is one of my favorite appetizers to bring to holiday parties; everyone always asks for seconds
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 This recipe always brings my family together for a cheerful appetizer before dinner
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 or 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 
These cheese balls are perfect for any party and impress every guest with their unique presentation and taste
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses are best for these bites?
Cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan provide a creamy, tangy, and savory base that balances well with fresh herbs and Champagne.
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture easily?
Chilling the cheese mixture for 15–20 minutes firms it up, making it easier to scoop and shape into cylinders.
- → Can I substitute the walnut coating?
Yes, crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds make great nut-free alternatives for the coating.
- → What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?
Mini breadsticks or any thin crunchy sticks work well to create the cork stem effect.
- → How should these bites be served?
Serve chilled on a platter. They pair beautifully with dry sparkling wines or Prosecco for festive occasions.