Description
The Pinecone Cheese Ball is a visually stunning and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a creamy blend of plant-based cream cheese and shredded plant-based cheese combined with smoky turkey bacon and crunchy nuts. Perfect for gatherings, this appetizer balances savory, smoky, and fresh flavors with a unique pinecone-inspired presentation that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz plant-based cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 green onions, chopped
Pinecone Texture
- 6 strips smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tsp natural paprika
Garnishes and Serving
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Additional natural paprika for dusting
- Assorted crackers (whole grain, multigrain, or water crackers)
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine plant-based cream cheese, shredded plant-based cheese, garlic powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands, form the mixture into a ball about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. Make sure the surface is smooth and compact to hold the decorations firmly.
- Apply the Pinecone Texture: Take the finely chopped smoked turkey bacon and chopped pecans or walnuts to create the look of pinecone scales. Place bacon pieces overlapping in rows around the cheese ball, then press nuts between the pieces to complete the pinecone effect.
- Chill and Set: Wrap the Pinecone Cheese Ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the shape to firm up for easier serving.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients to make shaping the cheese ball easier.
- Chop bacon finely for a more realistic pinecone pattern.
- Press nuts firmly into the cheese ball to prevent falling off when serving.
- Make ahead by preparing the cheese ball a day before to deepen the flavors.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced veggies, and bread for a complete appetizer experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pinecone cheese ball, plant-based appetizer, cheese ball recipe, smoked turkey bacon appetizer, easy holiday appetizer
