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Pinecone Cheese Ball

Pinecone Cheese Ball

  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

The Pinecone Cheese Ball is a visually stunning and flavorful appetizer combining smoky plant-based turkey bacon with creamy plant-based cheese, shaped to resemble a pinecone. This festive snack is perfect for gatherings and holidays, offering a dairy-free, allergy-friendly, and easy-to-make option that will impress guests with its unique presentation and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mixture

  • 8 oz plant-based cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)

Pinecone Texture

  • 6 slices smoked plant-based turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the plant-based cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), smoked paprika (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Stir until all ingredients are smoothly blended into a flavorful, spreadable base.
  2. Shape the Cheese Ball: Using clean hands or a spatula, form the mixture into an oval shape resembling a pinecone. Place it on a serving platter lined with parchment paper to keep it clean and facilitate decorating.
  3. Add the Pinecone Texture: Slice the smoked plant-based turkey bacon into small, thin pieces about 1 inch long. Press these pieces into the cheese ball starting at one narrow end, layering outward and slightly overlapping to mimic the natural scales of a pinecone.
  4. Apply the Walnut ‘Scales’: Fill any gaps between the turkey bacon slices with halves of chopped walnuts. This adds crunch, texture, and enhances the pinecone effect.
  5. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley around the base and lightly on top of the Pinecone Cheese Ball to simulate pinecone needles and add vibrant green color.

Notes

  • Chill the plant-based cream cheese before shaping for easier handling and better shape retention.
  • Use a natural gelling agent in the base mixture for firmer texture if desired.
  • Slice plant-based turkey bacon thinly for better adherence and realistic pinecone scales.
  • Prepare the cheese ball a day in advance to let flavors meld beautifully.
  • Serve with crackers, toasted pita chips, or crisp vegetables for dipping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: pinecone cheese ball, plant-based appetizer, dairy-free cheese ball, holiday appetizer, gluten free cheese ball, party snack

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