I have one last new appetizer for you to share with loved ones this holiday season, and this one is equally as pretty as it is EASY.
These 3-ingredient holiday cheese truffles come together in just about 30 minutes (including a quick chilling time) and are so fun to make — even with kiddos! Start with yummy Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese or you can use goat cheese, and roll in both sweet and savory toppings for flavorful little bites everyone can spread on crackers or enjoy on their own.
Serve them on a pretty platter with garnish (try a Christmas tree formation!) or add them to a festive charcuterie board and watch friends and family devour.
Everything you’ll need to make these cheese truffles
When I say 3 ingredients, I truly mean it! These holiday cheese truffles couldn’t be easier to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cheese: we’re using Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese as the base of these cheese truffles. The garlic and herb flavors really shine in these little ramekins of cheese, so you don’t have to add any extra seasonings! You can find this spreadable cheese and many grocery stores. A great alternative is goat cheese or a fun flavored goat cheese.
- Pistachios: you’ll roll half of the cheese balls in finely chopped roasted pistachios for a savory kick.
- Cranberries: you’ll roll the other half in finely chopped dried cranberries for a little sweet option!
More toppings to try
I love the pistachios and dried cranberries to give these a festive, green and red look for the holidays, but you could also roll the cheese truffles in:
Skip the nuts if you’d like to keep these all nut-free — easy!
Can I use a different cheese base?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Alouette or want to try a new cheese, you can use:
- goat cheese — feel free to try out the fun flavors of goat cheese!
- cream cheese — an herbed cream cheese would be perfect!
Can I make them vegan or dairy-free?
Feel free to swap the cheese for your favorite vegan/dairy-free spreadable cheese.
Easy cheese truffles in 4 steps
- Chill the cheese. Scoop 2 tablespoons of the spreadable cheese, goat cheese or cream cheese for each ball you want to make and place it on a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up the cheese. You can also make these into smaller balls if you prefer.
- Prep your toppings. Add your pistachios and dried cranberries to separate small plates.
- Roll the truffles. Use your hands to roll the scooped cheese into balls, then roll half of the cheese balls in the pistachios and half in the cranberries.
- Garnish & serve. Serve immediately on a garnished platter (see ideas below!) or place them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What to serve with holiday cheese truffles
I love to serve these cheese truffles on a charcuterie-style platter with:
- Pita chips
- Pretzels
- A variety of crackers
- Mixed nuts
- Green and red grapes
- Apple slices
- Fresh figs (if you’re feelin’ fancy)
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish)
You could even arrange them like a Christmas tree (pictured in this post), or poke a pretzel stick into each truffle for easy grabbing!
How to store homemade cheese truffles
Store these mini cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing them.
Tools you’ll need
Get all of my kitchen essentials here!
More appetizers you’ll love
Get all of my appetizer recipes here!
I hope you love these 3-ingredient cheese truffles! If you make them, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
The
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles
Fun and easy holiday cheese truffles made with 3 simple ingredients! These beautiful cheese truffles make the perfect appetizer on their own, or an addition to a holiday charcuterie board. Serve these festive, savory truffles with your favorite crackers, pretzels, and more.
Ingredients
- 2 ramekins (13 ounces total) Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, or sub a 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
-
Line a large plate with parchment paper. Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (2 tablespoons) to scoop out a ball of cheese and place it on the prepared place. Repeat with the remaining cheese. Place the plate in the freezer for 20 minutes; this will help the balls to firm up so they’re easier to roll.
-
Add the chopped pistachios and chopped dried cranberries to two seperate small plates or shallow bowls.
-
Remove the plate with the cheese balls out of the freezer. Use your hands to roll the scooped cheese into round balls. Roll half of the cheese balls in the chopped pistachios and half in the chopped cranberries until they’re completely coated.
-
Place the truffles on a serving platter. If desired, add rosemary sprigs around the rim of the platter for garnish. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
To keep nut-free: roll them all in dried cranberries, or see the full post for more options for toppings.
To make dairy-free/vegan: use your favorite, spreadable dairy-free/vegan cheese. Make sure it isn’t overly soft.
Nutrition
Serving: 1truffleCalories: 119calCarbohydrates: 7.4gProtein: 2.5gFat: 9.9gSaturated Fat: 4.9gFiber: 0.6gSugar: 5.3g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
