Description
The Festive Holiday Ornament Cheese Balls with Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato Layers are a delightful appetizer that encapsulates the holiday spirit with flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz goat cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Gold-wrapped chocolate candies (for ornament toppers)
- Red twine or ribbon (for bow garnish)
- Wheat crackers, for serving
- Pine sprigs (optional, for presentation)
Instructions
- Start by taking a mixing bowl and combining the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend the cheeses until they form a smooth and creamy mixture. Following that, sprinkle in the garlic powder and black pepper, mixing them into the cheese blend for added seasoning.
- Once your mixture is smooth, divide it into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain. Take the second portion and blend in the pesto thoroughly. For the third portion, incorporate the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use a small scoop or your hands to take a bit of each mixture: plain cheese, pesto layer, and sun-dried tomato layer. Gently press the scoops together, forming a round shape while ensuring the stripes are visible.
- Once all the cheese balls are formed, place them in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. After chilling, press a gold-wrapped chocolate candy on top and tie a bow with red twine.
Notes
You can prepare the cheese balls a day in advance; just store them in the refrigerator before decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 100 kcal per cheese ball
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g