Mistletoe Kissing Ball (Print)

Creamy cheese balls wrapped with grapes, herbs, and prosciutto create a stunning holiday centerpiece.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheese Balls

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, softened
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
05 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Assembly

07 - 1 large round food-safe styrofoam or floral foam ball, 6–7 inches diameter, wrapped in plastic if needed
08 - 10.5 oz seedless green grapes, firm, washed and thoroughly dried
09 - 5.3 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
10 - 1 small bunch fresh rosemary sprigs, 2–3 inches long
11 - 1 small bunch fresh thyme sprigs, 2–3 inches long
12 - 80–100 sturdy toothpicks or cocktail skewers
13 - 1 decorative ribbon (optional, for presentation)

# Directions:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese and goat cheese in a medium bowl. Blend with a silicone spatula or hand mixer on low until smooth. Stir in minced chives, parsley, black pepper, and sea salt evenly. Chill mixture for 15–20 minutes if too soft to hold shape.
02 - Scoop out uniform portions approximately 1 inch in diameter using a melon baller or teaspoon. Roll gently between palms to form smooth balls. Arrange on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate at least 20 minutes to firm.
03 - Ensure grapes are completely dry. Cut prosciutto into strips about ¾ inch wide and 3–4 inches long. Trim rosemary and thyme into 2–3 inch sprigs. Wrap foam ball tightly if not food-safe and place it on a stable base to prevent rolling during assembly.
04 - Thread grapes, cheese balls, or prosciutto strips alternately onto toothpicks. Insert toothpicks into foam ball starting from the top, working downward in a spiral pattern, spacing evenly without overcrowding to secure ingredients.
05 - Tuck rosemary and thyme sprigs between toothpicks, weaving them gracefully to fill gaps and provide natural aroma. Ensure herbs remain fresh and vibrant to enhance visual appeal and fragrance.
06 - Inspect sphere and fill any gaps with additional grapes, cheese balls, or prosciutto. Optionally, tie a festive ribbon on top for hanging or display on a platter. Refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving for optimal freshness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that doubles as an edible centerpiece—guests can't resist its whimsical beauty and will keep coming back for more.
  • The combination of creamy cheese, salty prosciutto, fresh herbs, and crisp grapes creates a flavor symphony that feels elegant but tastes effortlessly delicious.
  • Despite its impressive appearance, it requires zero cooking and just forty minutes of hands-on time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
02 -
  • Moisture is your enemy—grapes must be completely dry or they'll slip off the toothpicks, sending your carefully arranged sphere tumbling. Pat them thoroughly before assembly.
  • Don't assemble this more than two hours before serving. The cheese firms up and the herbs begin to wilt if they sit too long, and you'll lose the fresh, vibrant appearance that makes this dish shine.
  • Overmixing the cheese is a mistake I made once and never again. Mix just until the herbs are distributed; overworking it creates a greasy, runny mess that won't hold shape.
03 -
  • Chill your cheese balls at least twenty minutes before skewering—they need to be firm enough to support themselves without squishing or sliding around on the toothpick.
  • Work in a cool kitchen or even in an air-conditioned room. Warm temperatures soften the cheese and make assembly exponentially more frustrating.
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