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 appetizer became an instant hit at my holiday gatherings every year.
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 has brought my family together for many joyful celebrations and is always requested.
Notes
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.
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.
Save Serve chilled and enjoy the festive flavors all season long.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses are used in the bites?
Cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan create a smooth, flavorful blend that balances richness and tang.
- → How do I shape the cheese bites like corks?
After chilling the creamy mixture, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into small cylindrical shapes before coating.
- → Can I substitute the nut coating for allergies?
Yes, crushed gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds make excellent nut-free alternatives for the coating.
- → Is cooking required to prepare these bites?
No cooking is needed; the cheese mixture is simply combined, chilled, shaped, and coated before serving.
- → What pairs well with these creamy bites?
Dry sparkling wines or Prosecco complement the herbed creaminess and festive presentation beautifully.
- → Can I use different herbs in the coating?
Absolutely, fresh parsley, chives, and dill are recommended, but you can adjust based on your preference.