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Pinecone Cheese Ball

Pinecone Cheese Ball

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A visually stunning and flavorful Easy Pinecone Cheese Ball appetizer combining creamy plant-based cream cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and crunchy toasted nuts, shaped to resemble a pinecone. Perfect for holiday parties and casual gatherings, this recipe is simple to make, adaptable, and sure to impress your guests with its rich taste and festive appearance.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 8 oz plant-based cream cheese, chilled
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
  • 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent

Mix-Ins and Coating

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled plant-based cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon juice (natural), and natural gelling agent. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform, creating a flavorful, spreadable base that is easy to mold.
  2. Fold in Smoky Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture to distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout.
  3. Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands, shape the mixture into an oval form approximately the size of a small loaf of bread. Smooth the surface carefully to form the core of your pinecone.
  4. Add Nuts for Pinecone Texture: Roughly chop the toasted pecans and walnuts to resemble pinecone ‘scales’. Press them, pointy side out, firmly but gently into the exterior of the cheese ball until it is entirely covered, replicating the appearance of a pinecone.
  5. Chill to Set: Place the decorated cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and for the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Use cold plant-based cream cheese to help the cheese ball maintain its shape during preparation.
  • Lightly toast nuts before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Press nuts firmly but carefully into the surface to maintain the pinecone design without breaking the pieces.
  • Chilling is essential to firm up the cheese ball and allow flavors to develop fully.
  • Add finely chopped fresh chives as a final garnish for a fresh color and mild onion taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts and cooking turkey bacon)
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of cheese ball)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: pinecone cheese ball, plant-based cheese ball, appetizer, party food, turkey bacon cheese ball, nut-coated cheese ball

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