Cheese balls with hazelnuts and prunes

4 servings

30 minutes

Cheese balls with hazelnuts and prunes are an exquisite appetizer from Italian gastronomic tradition, where the balance of flavors and textures is valued. Delicate goat and cream cheese create a soft, melting base, while blue cheese adds piquancy. Crunchy hazelnuts add nutty depth, and sweet prunes soften and round out the flavor. A coating of grated cheese gives the balls a delicate salty crust. These balls are perfect for an aperitif alongside a glass of white wine or as an elegant addition to a festive table. They can be served chilled to emphasize the contrast of textures. Simple to prepare yet luxurious in taste, this recipe captivates gourmets from the first tasting.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 680.5
• Proteins: 31.2g
• Fats: 53.1g
• Carbohydrates: 19g

Ingredients

• Soft goat cheese: 200 g
• Pitted prunes: 100 g
• Roasted hazelnuts: 100 g
• Cream cheese: 200 g
• Blue cheese: 100 g
• Goat cheese: 150 g

Cooking steps

1. In a bowl, mash the blue cheese with a fork, add the soft goat cheese, and then the cream cheese, mixing until smooth. Grate the hard cheese.

   Required ingredients:

   • Blue cheese: 100 g
   • Soft goat cheese: 200 g
   • Cream cheese: 200 g
   • Goat cheese: 150 g

2. With wet hands, roll a ball from soft cheese (dough), about 1 heaping teaspoon. Make a dent in the ball and insert a hazelnut and prunes (you can first place the hazelnut in the prune and then into the cheese or place them compactly next to each other in the ball). Seal the dent with dough and smooth out the ball.

   Required ingredients:

   • Roasted hazelnuts: 100 g
   • Pitted prunes: 100 g

3. Roll the ball in grated hard cheese. Place in the refrigerator.

   Required ingredients:

   • Goat cheese: 150 g