Description
The Pinecone Cheese Ball is an impressive and festive appetizer combining creamy plant-based cheese with smoky plant-based bacon and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture. It features crunchy nuts that mimic pinecone scales and is decorated with fresh herbs for a rustic look. Ideal for entertaining, this easy-to-make dish offers customizable ingredients and makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups creamy plant-based cheese blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon grape juice (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Structure and Texture
- 1 to 2 teaspoons natural gelling agent
Pinecone Decoration
- 6 to 8 slices smoked plant-based bacon, cut into small oval pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Blend the plant-based cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), grape juice (natural), salt, and pepper in a bowl until creamy and fully combined using a mixer or sturdy spoon.
- Add the Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle in the measured natural gelling agent and mix thoroughly to incorporate, which provides structure and helps the cheese ball hold its shape while staying creamy inside.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the mixture onto parchment paper. With wet hands, form into an oval or round shape to create the pinecone base.
- Prepare the Pinecone Scales: Slice smoked plant-based bacon into small oval pieces consistently sized. Lightly toast the chopped nuts to enhance crunch and aroma.
- Assemble the Pinecone Design: Press bacon pieces into the cheese ball in overlapping rows from bottom to top to mimic pinecone layers. Nestle toasted nuts between some layers for natural texture. Cover any exposed cheese with chopped parsley to add vibrant green “leaves” for contrast.
- Chill to Set: Wrap the assembled cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the natural gelling agent to fully firm the shape before serving.
Notes
- Choose quality creamy plant-based cheese for easier molding and better flavor.
- Do not skip chilling to keep the cheese ball firm and ensure clean slices.
- Use room temperature cheese for smoother mixing and no lumps.
- Lightly toast nuts to release oils, enhancing crunchiness and aroma.
- Arrange bacon pieces carefully overlapping to maintain an authentic pinecone look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pinecone cheese ball, plant-based cheese ball, vegan appetizer, holiday appetizer, party cheese ball, smokey cheese ball, dairy free cheese ball
