Champagne Cork Cheese Balls

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.

I first served these cheese balls at a holiday gathering and they were a huge hit with everyone — they disappeared fast!

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

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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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.

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These cheese balls always bring my family together around the table, sharing laughter and stories while snacking on these festive treats.

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). Use gluten-free breadsticks/pretzels and verify cheese labels for allergen safety.

Nutritional Information

Per cheese ball: Calories 85, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 3 g

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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Serve chilled for best texture and flavor and enjoy the festive fun these cheese balls bring to your gatherings.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute the Champagne with another ingredient?

Yes, you can replace Champagne with sparkling water, white grape juice, or a mild white wine for similar flavor without alcohol.

→ How can I make the coating nut-free?

Use crushed gluten-free crackers, toasted seeds, or finely chopped toasted bread crumbs instead of nuts for the coating.

→ What cheeses work best for this dish?

A blend of cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan provides balance between creaminess and sharpness, but blue cheese or feta can add interesting variations.

→ How far in advance can these bites be prepared?

You can prepare these cheese bites a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and add the pretzel sticks just before serving.

→ Are these bites suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you use gluten-free breadsticks or pretzel alternatives and confirm the cheeses are gluten-free, they fit gluten-free needs.

→ What is the best way to serve these cheese bites?

Arrange chilled on a platter with additional fresh herbs or sparkling wine nearby for an elegant presentation at parties.