Description
This Pomegranate White Cheddar Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Creamy cream cheese combined with sharp white cheddar, fresh chives, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a deliciously smooth mixture studded with sweet, juicy pomegranate seeds. Rolled in crunchy nuts and vibrant pomegranate arils, this no-bake cheese ball offers a beautiful presentation alongside crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or green onions)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (arils)
Coating and Serving
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (arils), divided
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Crackers or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, chopped fresh chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to form a flavorful cheese mixture.
- Fold in Pomegranate Seeds: Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds to add bursts of fresh, sweet flavor and a lovely color contrast throughout the mixture.
- Shape and Chill: Form the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands or by wrapping it in plastic wrap and shaping it while chilled. Refrigerate the ball for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up properly.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Before serving, roll the chilled cheese ball in the remaining pomegranate seeds and the chopped nuts (if using), pressing gently to make the toppings stick and create a festive coating.
- Serve: Place the finished cheese ball on a serving platter and accompany it with crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- For the freshest texture and best flavor, serve the cheese ball the day it is made.
- If preparing ahead of time, store the cheese ball plain without the pomegranate and nuts, and coat it just before serving to maintain the toppings’ crunch and vibrant appearance.
