Name: 3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Rosemary sprigs for garnish

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Introduction

These 3-Ingredient Holiday Cheese Truffles are an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Combining creamy herbed cheese with crunchy pistachios and sweet dried cranberries, they bring a delightful mix of flavors and textures to your holiday table.

The image shows small round cheese balls covered in two different coatings, placed closely on a white marbled surface. One type of cheese ball is coated with bright red dried cranberries, giving it a rough texture with some white cheese visible underneath, especially in one cheese ball that is cut in half to show a creamy white inside speckled with small herbs. The other type is covered with crushed green pistachios, giving a nutty, uneven texture. Fresh rosemary sprigs are scattered around for decoration, adding a natural green contrast. The cheese balls sit directly on the surface without any plate, and they are arranged in a casual yet tidy way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ramekins (13 ounces total) Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, or 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 (2 tablespoons) to scoop out balls of cheese and place them on the prepared plate. Repeat until all the cheese is scooped. Place the plate in the freezer for 20 minutes to help the cheese firm up for easier rolling.
Step 2: Spread the chopped pistachios and chopped dried cranberries on two separate small plates or shallow bowls.
Step 3: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Using your hands, roll each scoop into a smooth round ball. Roll half of the cheese balls in the chopped pistachios and the other half in the chopped cranberries until fully coated.
Step 4: Arrange the truffles on a serving platter. If desired, garnish with rosemary sprigs around the rim. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try substituting pistachios with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Use different dried fruits like chopped apricots or cherries for variety.
Chilling the cheese balls before rolling helps prevent sticking and creates neater truffles.
For a festive touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on the pistachio-coated truffles to enhance flavor.

Storage

Store the cheese truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. These truffles are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and served chilled if preferred.

How to Serve

The image shows small round cheese balls with two different coatings placed on a white marbled surface. One type of cheese ball is covered in bright red dried cranberries that have a slightly rough texture, and one of these is cut open, showing a soft, white, crumbly cheese inside with bits of cranberry mixed in. The other type is coated in chopped green pistachios, giving a chunky, nutty outer layer. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are scattered around them, adding a fresh contrast to the colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for these truffles?

Yes, any soft, spreadable herbed cheese such as cream cheese, goat cheese, or Boursin works well. Just ensure it is firm enough to scoop and roll after chilling.

Can I prepare these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make them a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bring them out about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.