Pin It Charming, bite-sized cheese balls shaped like acorns, coated with nuts and herbs—perfect for autumn gatherings and festive entertaining.
I enjoy making these at family parties because they are easy to prepare and always a hit with guests
Ingredients
- Cheese Mixture: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 120 g (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, pinch of salt
- Coating & Decoration: 60 g (1/2 cup) finely chopped toasted pecans, 60 g (1/2 cup) finely chopped parsley or fresh dill, 24 mini pretzel sticks, 24 small rosemary leaves (optional for acorn stems)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, chives, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 2:
- Scoop out heaping teaspoons of the cheese mixture and roll them into small oval or acorn shapes using your hands.
- Step 3:
- Roll the top half of each cheese ball in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to adhere. Roll the bottom half in parsley or dill for contrast.
- Step 4:
- Insert a mini pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball to resemble an acorn stem. Add a rosemary leaf if desired.
- Step 5:
- Arrange acorn cheese balls on a serving platter. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for best texture.
Pin It This recipe always brings everyone together, creating joyful moments during autumn celebrations
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture. Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred. Serve with assorted crackers or sliced vegetables. Acorn cheese balls can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spoon, measuring spoons and cups, small ice cream scoop or tablespoon (optional), knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, cheddar) and tree nuts (pecans). Contains gluten if using regular pretzel sticks use gluten-free pretzels for a GF option. Always check labels for potential allergens.
Pin It These acorn cheese ball bites add a festive touch quickly and deliciously to any autumn gathering
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used for the acorn bites?
The base uses softened cream cheese and finely shredded sharp cheddar for a flavorful, creamy texture.
- → How are the cheese balls shaped like acorns?
The cheese mixture is rolled into small oval shapes by hand, then coated and topped with pretzel sticks to mimic acorn stems.
- → Can I substitute the nuts for the coating?
Yes, toasted pecans can be swapped for walnuts or almonds depending on preference and availability.
- → How long should the bites be chilled?
Chilling the cheese balls for at least 15 minutes helps firm their texture and enhances flavor melding.
- → Are there any dietary considerations?
The bites contain dairy and tree nuts; to keep gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzel sticks as the stems.