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Pine Cone Cheese Ball with Almonds

This fun recipe is easy to prepare and is a fun party appetizer for the fall season in the shape of a cute pinecone. This tasty and savory snack can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Servings 2 Cheese Balls

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (grated)
  • 1 1/4 cups Almonds
  • 1/2 cup Pepper Jack Cheese (grated)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • 1/3 cup Bacon Pieces (homemade or packaged)
  • 1 Jalapeño (optional) (diced and seeds removed)
  • Sprigs of Rosemary (optional) garnish
  • Salt and Pepper as desired for taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, cream cheese, bacon bits, and diced jalapeño.
  • Season with salt and pepper for taste.
  • Using your clean hands, mix the ingredients together to create a large ball of cheese.
  • Store cheese ball in a covered bowl to chill overnight in the fridge to combine the flavors.
  • To prepare for serving, divide cheese mixture into two portions and shaping each on into a pine cone shape.
  • To create a pinecone shape, roll cheese mixture into a ball then squeeze on the end downward to create a narrow point.
  • Start placing the almonds at a slight angle into the cheese starting at the narrow pointed end of the pine cone shape.
  • Continue the process to overlap rows until all the cheese is covered with the point of the almond facing the point of the pine cone shape cheese ball.
  • Garnish with rosemary sprigs.
  • Serve and enjoy at room temperature with toasted crostini or crackers.

Notes

This pine cone cheese ball packs a spicy punch but you can reduce the heat by replacing the pepper jack cheese with another one of your favorite grated cheeses. You can also substitute the jalapeño with green onions.  
If you're looking for more a sweet recipe than savory, you can find a sweet cream dip and use sweet almonds too to create a sweet pine cone appetizer.