Save A festive, bite-sized appetizer featuring creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and a touch of Champagne, shaped to resemble champagne corksperfect for celebrations and parties.
I have served these cheese balls at many family gatherings and they are always a hit, loved for their unique shape and delicious taste.
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 My family gathers around whenever I make these, sharing stories and enjoying the delicious bites together.
Notes
Serve chilled for best texture and flavor. Pairs beautifully with dry sparkling wines or Prosecco.
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.
Nutritional Information (per cheese ball)
Calories 85, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 3 g.
Save 
These champagne cork cheese balls make any occasion feel special and festive.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute the pretzel sticks?
Yes, mini gluten-free breadsticks or thin crackers work well as alternatives for the cork stem.
- → How can I make it nut-free?
Replace the crushed walnuts with gluten-free crackers or toasted seeds for a nut-free coating.
- → What cheeses are used in these bites?
The mixture features cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan for a creamy and tangy flavor.
- → Is chilling the mixture necessary?
Chilling helps firm the mixture, making it easier to shape the cheese bites properly.
- → What pairs well with these cheese bites?
Dry sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco complement the flavors beautifully.