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–+ servings
Pesto Ornament Cheese Balls

Pesto Ornament Cheese Balls

The Crispy Chef
These Pesto Ornament Cheese Balls are mini festive bites of creamy, herby cheese rolled in colorful toppings and finished with a cute edible 'hook' — the perfect holiday appetizer for any Christmas platter or charcuterie board.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Holiday, No-Cook
Servings 16 balls
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • spoon or small cookie scoop for portioning
  • tray or plate lined with parchment
  • small bowls for toppings
  • plastic wrap or container for storage

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar
  • 2 tbsp basil pesto
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • pinch of salt (optional, to taste)
  • finely chopped parsley (for coating)
  • crushed pistachios (for coating)
  • red pepper flakes or paprika (for coating)
  • finely diced sun-dried tomatoes (for coating)
  • chopped walnuts or pecans (for coating)
  • poppy seeds or everything seasoning (for coating)
  • pomegranate seeds (garnish only, not for coating)
  • mini pretzel sticks or pieces (for ornament 'hooks')
  • rosemary sprigs (optional greenery garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, pesto, garlic powder, pepper, and Parmesan until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  • Scoop out tablespoon-size portions and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill 20–30 minutes to firm.
  • Prepare bowls with chosen toppings. Roll each chilled cheese ball until fully coated.
  • Insert a pretzel stick in each ball as a hook. Add rosemary if desired for decoration.
  • Serve chilled or slightly softened with crackers, veggies, or crostini on a festive platter or board.

Notes

Chill the cheese mixture before shaping to make rolling easier. Use a mix of colorful coatings like herbs, spices, and chopped nuts for variety. Add pretzels just before serving to keep them crisp. These can be made up to 2 days ahead and garnished right before the party.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword charcuterie board ideas, cheese balls, Christmas party snack, holiday appetizer, pesto bites
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