Festive Cheese Grapes Kissing Ball (Printable Version)

Creamy cheese balls, green grapes, herbs, and prosciutto combined into a festive edible holiday centerpiece.

# 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 grapes, seedless
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 (approx. 8–10 inches diameter)
13 - 35–40 small decorative toothpicks or cocktail picks

# Directions:

01 - Combine cream cheese, goat cheese, chives, parsley, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and evenly incorporated.
02 - Shape the cheese mixture into approximately 18 to 20 small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm.
03 - Wash and thoroughly dry the green grapes to remove any residue.
04 - On a clean round board, alternate cheese balls and grapes in a close, spherical pattern. Secure each piece with toothpicks angled slightly inward to maintain shape.
05 - Fold prosciutto slices into small rosettes or bundles and insert them between grapes and cheese balls using toothpicks to enhance texture and taste.
06 - Distribute thyme, rosemary, and mint sprigs evenly throughout the arrangement to provide aromatic freshness and visual appeal.
07 - Continue placing ingredients until the board is fully covered, creating a lush, edible mistletoe kissing ball.
08 - Keep the assembled kissing ball refrigerated until serving time. Present on a platter allowing guests to pick individual bites.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but comes together in under 30 minutes—the kind of impressive moment that feels like a secret between you and your guests.
  • Every bite is a flavor adventure: the salty richness of prosciutto paired with cool, creamy cheese and bursts of sweet grape juice all balanced by fresh herbs.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and works perfectly for dietary restrictions without anyone feeling like something's missing.
  • The presentation does the work for you—this is the appetizer that makes people stop mid-conversation and say, 'Did you actually make this?'
02 -
  • Soft cheese balls are your enemy—they slide around and won't stay where you put them. That 10-minute chill in the refrigerator is non-negotiable. It's the difference between an impressive centerpiece and a disaster waiting to happen.
  • The angle of your toothpicks matters more than you'd think. Pointing them slightly toward the center creates the sphere effect. Straight toothpicks will make it look flat and one-dimensional.
  • Dry everything before assembly—damp grapes, wet herbs, and moist cheese balls all slip and slide. Pat with paper towels and you'll avoid frustration.
03 -
  • Invest in really good toothpicks with decorative tops—they disappear into the design and your centerpiece looks intentional, not held together with hardware. Colored or metallic picks catch the light and add an extra touch of polish.
  • Chill your board before you start building if it's a wooden one. This keeps the cheese firmer longer and makes the whole assembly process smoother and less rushed.
  • Take a photo before anyone starts eating. You'll want to remember what you created, and these photos are actually beautiful enough to share.
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