This Cheddar Pinecone With Almonds serves double duty as both an appetizer and a centerpiece.
I am often stumped when it comes to appetizers. I spend so much time working on my main dish (okay, I put a lot of effort into the dessert part, too) that I overlook how important an appetizer can be. One thing I learned during my time waiting tables is that people will wait for food if they have a drink in their hand and something to nibble on. I keep that in mind now when I’m entertaining in my own home. It doesn’t have to be something complicated; a cheese tray or some dip can make all the difference in the mood of my guests when I’m running behind in the kitchen.
The holiday season puts me in the mood to be a little more festive with my appetizers, and this almond “pinecone” seemed like so much fun to serve to a crowd. It’s easy, too; you could even make the cream cheese base the day before, then add the almonds and rosemary garnish right before your guests arrive. I think this would also be a great task for little hands who want to help out when Mom is busy finishing getting the other dishes ready.
If you want to get creative with it, this is a great recipe to customize, too. You can swap the cheddar for a sharp white variety to elevate the flavors a bit. Instead of the port, you could add a splash of sherry or even bourbon. A small spoonful of Dijon will add extra tang, or some smoked paprika will add depth. Finally, you could stir through some chopped dried cranberries for a more festive feel.
To toast the almonds or not?
I recommend that you do. It only takes a few extra minutes, and it improves the flavor in a noticeable way. Toasted almonds have a deeper, nuttier taste and a warm, buttery aroma. They’re also a bit more crisp, which preserves their texture for longer as they sit atop the cream cheese.
Toast your almonds in a dry skillet over low to medium heat until just fragrant. You don’t want them to turn dark, so keep a close eye on them. Let them cool completely before you press them into the cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh, as the almonds will eventually lose their snap the longer they sit. However, you can store leftovers either tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Serving suggestions
Need some more easy appetizers that are perfect for the holiday table? Try this Cranberry Salsa, which is a fun play on a classic Thanksgiving ingredient. These Sausage Rolls and Spinach Roll-Ups with bacon are also super simple to make and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Cheddar Pinecone With Almonds
Ingredients
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each) room temperature
- 6 tablespoons port wine
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
- 2 cups almonds toasted
- Rosemary sprigs for decoration
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add port and cayenne.
- Beat until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add sliced green onions. Mix until combined.
- Wrap the cream cheese mixture in plastic wrap or parchment and chill for at least 1 hour. You could also do this step the day before you intend to serve it.
- Once chilled, mold the cream cheese into an oval shape to serve as the base for your pinecone.
- Place the cream cheese on a serving plate and start to add almonds in a shingle pattern. Start at the bottom and add rows overlapping until the cream cheese is covered.
- Add rosemary sprigs as a decorative touch around the pinecone.
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