Description
This festive Pomegranate Christmas Cheese Ball is a creamy, tangy, and colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a blend of cream cheese, butter, sharp white cheddar, garlic, and green onions, it’s coated in fresh pomegranate arils for a burst of sweetness and a decorative holiday touch. The cheese ball is garnished with a Rolo candy and rosemary to resemble a Christmas ornament, making it visually appealing and delicious served with crackers and veggie slices.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces white cheddar block, fresh shredded
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground
Ornament Garnish
- 1 cup pomegranate arils, fresh and patted dry
- 1 Rolo candy, unwrapped (for ornament top)
- 1 sprig rosemary (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or mixer, blend the softened butter, cream cheese, and freshly shredded white cheddar until smooth and well combined. Then add the minced garlic, chopped green onion, and ground black pepper. Continue mixing until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a firm ball. Alternatively, place the mixture in the center of a 12″ x 12″ piece of plastic wrap. Pull each corner of the wrap tightly upwards to form a ball shape, then gently release to let it hold its round form.
- Coat with Pomegranate Arils: Spread the pomegranate arils onto a plate. Roll the formed cheese ball over the arils to coat the entire surface. Use your hands to press additional seeds onto the ball ensuring a complete and even coverage.
- Chill: Wrap the pomegranate-coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm and ready to serve.
- Decorate and Serve: Place an unwrapped Rolo candy on top of the chilled cheese ball to represent the ornament stem. Optionally, add a sprig of rosemary and a bow for extra decoration. Serve alongside crackers, crostini, pretzels, or veggie slices like carrots and celery for a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- Shred the white cheddar block fresh for the best texture and flavor in the cheese ball.
- Serve the cheese ball at room temperature to enjoy its creamiest and smoothest texture, though it can also be served immediately after chilling.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with carrots and celery sticks.
- This cheese ball keeps well refrigerated tightly wrapped for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 59g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
