When I want to present something spectacular at the table without spending hours at the stove, I prepare this cheese ball with cranberries, walnuts, and pistachios: for me, as a cheese lover, it’s a delightful, elegant, economical, and very ‘gourmet’ idea.
It’s super creamy, ready in just a few minutes, can be prepared in advance, and always makes a great impression on boards, buffets, and holiday tables.
Perfect for spreading on crackers, crostini, or breadsticks: it’s one of those smart recipes, beautiful and that always work, even for the blog.
This savory cheese spread ball is also delicious spread on wedges of Romagna flatbread or on milk rolls just toasted in a pan.
In short, in the Christmas and New Year’s appetizer buffet it will fit perfectly… and your guests will enjoy it!
Storage
The cheese ball can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, well covered with plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container.
I recommend taking it out of the fridge at least 15-20 minutes before serving, so it becomes soft and creamy just right.
However, I strongly advise against freezing it because it would change consistency once thawed and be a total flop!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I have opened a recipe channel open to all and free on WhatsApp, no notifications, no sound, to which you can subscribe by clicking the link here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHbGIn9cDDig7Cw2x0F and every day you can read a sweet and a savory recipe!
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On the theme of no-cook appetizers, here are some recipes for Christmas and New Year just below:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 4 Hours
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 8 People
- Cooking methods: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Christmas
Ingredients
- 13 oz cream cheese
- 2.6 oz dried cranberries (dried and chopped)
- 1.8 oz walnut halves (chopped)
- 2.1 oz pistachio crumbles (20 inside and 40 outside the cheese ball)
- 2 tbsps chopped parsley (fresh if possible!)
- 2 pinches salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Tools
- Food wraps
Steps
In a bowl, place the cream cheese (Exquisa, Philadelphia, or others) with cranberries, walnuts, parsley, salt, pepper, and 20 g of pistachio crumbles.
Mix well, compact, and shape into a ball that will be wrapped in transparent plastic wrap.
Store in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours or overnight as I did.
When ready to serve, remove the wrap and roll the cheese ball in pistachio crumbles, trying to coat it as evenly as possible.
Serve the cheese ball with cranberries, walnuts, and pistachios with small forks and crostini, breadsticks, or crackers!
It’s a delight!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy your meal! Annalisa
If you’re looking for super easy appetizers, here are assorted appetizers
read →https://blog.giallozafferano.it/asilannablu/salatini-assortiti-ricetta-antipasto/
Variations
Instead of using pistachio crumbles as a coating, we can use slices of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, chopped parsley, or…
