Mistletoe Kissing Ball Festive (Print Version)

A festive blend of grapes, creamy cheese balls, herbs, and prosciutto arranged on a round board.

# Components:

→ 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 seedless green 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 8–10 inch diameter
13 - 35–40 small decorative toothpicks or cocktail picks

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, goat cheese, chives, parsley, black pepper, and salt until smooth and homogeneous.
02 - Shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, producing about 18–20 pieces. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm.
03 - Wash thoroughly and dry the seedless green grapes.
04 - On the round board, alternate cheese balls and grapes in a dense spherical pattern. Secure each with toothpicks angled slightly inward to create a rounded effect.
05 - Fold prosciutto slices into rosettes or small bundles and fix them among grapes and cheese balls using picks.
06 - Tuck fresh thyme, rosemary, and mint sprigs evenly throughout the arrangement for aroma and visual balance.
07 - Continue placing ingredients until the board is densely covered and resembles a lush, edible mistletoe kissing ball.
08 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Present on a platter, allowing guests to pick individual bites.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 25 minutes to assemble—perfect for when you want to look like you spent hours in the kitchen
  • Every bite combines creamy, fresh, and herbaceous flavors in one satisfying moment
  • It doubles as your centerpiece, so you're not juggling multiple serving dishes
  • Guests can graze throughout the evening, making it ideal for mixed gatherings where people eat at different times
02 -
  • Your cheese must be soft before mixing, or you'll spend 20 minutes fighting lumps. Room temperature is everything here—this was my biggest early mistake.
  • Don't skip the 10-minute chill after rolling the balls. Warm cheese falls apart on toothpicks, and it's soul-crushing when it happens.
  • Angle your toothpicks toward the center of the ball as you build. This creates the natural sphere effect that makes it look intentional and beautiful rather than haphazard.
  • Dry your grapes completely. One wet grape sliding off in front of your guests teaches harsh lessons about humidity.
03 -
  • If your board starts looking sparse as guests eat, rotate it so the fullest side faces outward—visual presentation stays strong throughout the party
  • Make the cheese mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it; rolling the balls takes seconds the next day, and you'll be less stressed
  • If a toothpick splinters or breaks during assembly, replace it immediately. It's a small thing, but it matters for both safety and presentation
  • Invest in quality toothpicks. Cheap ones bend, which makes assembly frustrating and results look sloppy. This single detail elevates the whole presentation
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