3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles Recipe
Introduction
These 3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles are a simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Creamy cheese, crunchy pistachios, and sweet dried cranberries combine for a delicious bite-sized treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 ramekins (13 ounces total) Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, or substitute with herbed cream cheese or herbed goat cheese
- ⅓ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- Optional: Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a large plate with parchment paper. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to scoop out balls of cheese and place them on the prepared plate. Repeat until all the cheese is used. Place the plate in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up the cheese balls.
- Step 2: Spread the chopped pistachios and chopped dried cranberries separately on two small plates or shallow bowls.
- Step 3: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Roll each scoop gently between your hands to smooth into round balls. Then roll half of the balls in pistachios and the other half in cranberries, coating them completely.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated truffles on a serving platter. Garnish with rosemary sprigs around the edges if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored soft cheeses like garlic and herbs to add extra depth, or swap in plain cream cheese and add your own herbs.
- Try other nuts such as finely chopped almonds or pecans for a different crunch.
- For a colorful presentation, mix equal parts pistachios and dried cranberries to coat each truffle.
Storage
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Allow them to warm slightly before serving for best taste.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of rosemary for garnish?
Absolutely. Fresh thyme or sage also make lovely garnishes and complement the flavors well.
Print3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles Recipe
These 3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles are a simple and elegant appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Made with herbed cream cheese coated in chopped roasted pistachios and dried cranberries, they combine creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite cheeses, these truffles add a colorful and delicious touch to any holiday spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 truffles 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese Truffles
- 2 ramekins (13 ounces total) Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, or substitute herbed cream cheese or herbed goat cheese
- ⅓ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- Optional: Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Balls: Line a large plate with parchment paper. Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop out balls of the cheese and place them evenly on the prepared plate. Repeat until all the cheese is scooped. Place the plate in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up the cheese balls, making them easier to roll.
- Prepare Coatings: While the cheese chills, spread the finely chopped roasted pistachios on one small plate or shallow bowl and the finely chopped dried cranberries on another. These will be used to coat the truffles.
- Roll and Coat Truffles: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Using your hands, roll each scooped portion into a smooth round ball. Roll half of the balls in the chopped pistachios and the other half in the chopped dried cranberries, pressing gently to coat completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the coated cheese truffles on a serving platter. If desired, tuck rosemary sprigs around the edges of the platter for a festive garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use a firm herbed cheese to ensure the truffles hold their shape.
- Feel free to swap roasted pistachios and dried cranberries for other nuts and dried fruits, such as almonds or apricots.
- The cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer or refrigerator before coating.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for a delightful party appetizer.
Keywords: holiday cheese truffles, cheese appetizer, easy holiday snacks, herbed cheese balls, pistachio cheese truffles, cranberry cheese balls
