Description
These 3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles are an easy and festive appetizer perfect for any holiday gathering. Made with creamy herbed cheese, rolled in crunchy pistachios and sweet dried cranberries, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With minimal prep and no cooking required, these truffles can be served immediately or chilled for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Truffle Base
- 13 ounces Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese (or herbed cream cheese or herbed goat cheese)
Coatings
- ⅓ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
Optional Garnish
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Line a large plate with parchment paper. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (2 tablespoons) to scoop out cheese portions and place them on the prepared plate. Repeat until all cheese is scooped.
- Chill the cheese balls: Place the plate with cheese scoops in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm them up, making them easier to roll.
- Prepare coatings: Add chopped pistachios and chopped dried cranberries each to separate small plates or shallow bowls for rolling.
- Roll the truffles: Remove cheese balls from the freezer. Using your hands, roll each scoop into a smooth, round ball. Roll half of the balls in the chopped pistachios and half in the chopped dried cranberries, fully coating each truffle.
- Serve and garnish: Arrange the coated truffles on a serving platter. Garnish the rim with rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store truffles well-covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free option, roll all truffles in dried cranberries or use other toppings like crushed pretzels or seeds.
- To make dairy-free or vegan, substitute the cheese with a firm, spreadable dairy-free or vegan cheese that isn’t overly soft.
- The freezing step helps the cheese firm up for easier rolling but can be omitted if the cheese is already firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
