Mistletoe Kissing Ball Appetizer (Print View)

A vibrant centerpiece of creamy cheese balls, grapes, herbs, and prosciutto for holiday gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cheese Balls

01 - 10.5 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese
03 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp sea salt

→ Assembly

07 - 9 oz green seedless grapes
08 - 3.5 oz prosciutto slices, thinly sliced
09 - 1 small bunch fresh thyme sprigs
10 - 1 small bunch fresh rosemary sprigs
11 - 1 small bunch fresh mint leaves
12 - 1 round wooden or food-safe foam board (approximately 8 to 10 inches diameter)
13 - 35 to 40 small decorative toothpicks or cocktail picks

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, chopped chives, parsley, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
02 - Using clean hands, shape the cheese mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, yielding approximately 18 to 20 pieces. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm.
03 - Wash and thoroughly dry the green seedless grapes to ensure freshness and prevent moisture.
04 - On a clean round board, alternate placing cheese balls and grapes in a dense spherical pattern. Secure each piece by angling toothpicks slightly toward the center for stability and shape.
05 - Fold prosciutto slices into small rosettes or bundles and insert them between grapes and cheese balls, securing with toothpicks for visual contrast and flavor.
06 - Distribute fresh thyme, rosemary, and mint sprigs evenly throughout the arrangement for aromatic garnish and an organic appearance.
07 - Continue adding components until the board is fully covered, creating a lush, edible kissing ball. Keep refrigerated until serving time.
08 - Place the arrangement on a platter and allow guests to pick individual bites directly from the board.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but takes just 25 minutes—the ultimate holiday confidence boost.
  • Every bite combines creamy, tangy cheese with fresh herbs and the brightness of grapes, making it impossible to eat just one.
  • It doubles as your centerpiece and your appetizer, so your table stays elegant while guests help themselves.
02 -
  • If your cheese mixture is too soft or warm, your balls will slide right off the toothpicks. That 10-minute chill isn't optional—it's what keeps everything in place and looking pristine.
  • Work in a cool kitchen if you can. Warm room temperatures will soften the cheese faster than you'd like, and you want to maintain that beautiful structure as you build.
03 -
  • Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe your cheese mixture instead of rolling by hand—the balls come out more uniform and your hands stay cleaner.
  • If you can find them, use fancier cocktail picks with beads or decorative tops; they add an extra touch of elegance and make the whole thing feel more special.
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