Champagne Cork Cheese Balls (Printable)

Creamy cheese bites with herbs and sparkling wine, shaped like corks, ideal for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan. Beat until smooth and creamy.
02 - Stir in chives, parsley, Champagne, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
03 - Refrigerate the cheese mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
04 - In a shallow dish, mix crushed walnuts and chopped fresh herbs.
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 thoroughly in the walnut-herb mixture to coat evenly.
07 - Place a pretzel stick or mini breadstick vertically into the top of each cheese cylinder as the cork stem.
08 - Arrange on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Creamy and flavorful bite-sized cheese balls
  • Perfect for celebrations and easy to prepare
02 -
  • For a nut-free version substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for the walnut coating
  • Swap goat cheese for blue cheese or feta for a flavor twist
03 -
  • Chill the cheese mixture well to make shaping easier
  • Use fresh herbs for the coating to enhance flavor and color
Return