This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Why buy a boring store bought Christmas cheese ball when it’s so easy to make your own? Not only is it easy, it’s so much more delicious, too!
This Pomegranate Cheeseball recipe is savory with a vibrant taste of sweet and sour pomegranate seeds.
Make it in the simple shape of an ornament and you’ll have a charming holiday appetizer that everyone will love!
Mmmmm pomegranates. Aren’t they just the coolest fruit ever? I love that brilliant splash of seasonal color, not to mention the delicious flavor. They’re the perfect way to bring holiday color into your entertaining, and even your decorating!
You know I’ve been making so many fun cheese balls lately for your Christmas entertaining. It’s because they are so easy to make ahead for an appetizer, and SO delicious to eat!
You’ve got to check out my reindeer bacon cheese ball, my pesto cheeseball wreath, and this darling snowman dessert cheeseball.
It’s true, I love cheeseballs in every shape, flavor and style. Who can argue with ALL.THE.CHEESE? I’ve got your ultimate cheese ball guide right here – it’s a round up of everything you need to know to make a killer cheeseball appetizer!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Pomegranate Christmas Cheese Ball
- Charming for a party
- Simple Ingredients
- Great with a variety of crackers and dippers
- Make ahead!
- It’s naturally low carb – serve with veggies for a low carb appetizer!
It’s delicious with crackers, wine, and all your other holiday entertaining favorites. In fact, I may have eaten this pomegranate cheeseball for dinner on the day I made it. No shame to my game!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butter- Use salted butter here. You can use any butter you have on hand, but the added salt adds a little flavor to this cheese ball!
- Cream Cheese- Cream cheese provides the creamy, delicious base for this cheeseball. I’ve got great tips about how to soften cream cheese!
- White Cheddar Cheese- White cheddar is actually the same as every other cheddar cheese, did you know that? It’s simply the addition of annatto coloring that creates the deeper golden/orange color of most cheddar cheeses. I like freshly shredded white cheddar for this recipe because it was a prettier contrasting interior to the vibrant red pomegranate anis on the outside of this holiday cheese ball!
- Minced Garlic- Garlic adds a flavorful touch to this cheeseball that makes it so delicious with crackers of all kinds.
- Green Onion- More fresh green flavor in this vibrant green onion addition!
- Pepper- Just a little touch of this spice gives this cheese ball so much additional flavor.
- Pomegranate Arils- these are the vibrant red exterior of your ornament, but they aren’t just for show! They add a huge pop of sweet and juicy flavor that perfectly matches the cheese in this recipe. You can of course slice a pomegranate to get your own arils, but I always use a shortcut here. You can buy pre-packaged fresh pomegranate arils in most produce sections of your grocery store.
- Rolo- for the top of this cute ornament, of course!
Variations
- Replace the pomegranates with cranberries like in this Santa Hat Cranberry Cheese Ball.
- Add chopped pecans or almonds for a little crunch.
How to Make this Christmas Cheese Ball
For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Freshly shred your white cheddar. Don’t skip this step, as it really contributes to the creamy flavor of this cheeseball.
- In a food processor or mixer, combine butter, cream cheese, and white cheddar. Add your garlic, green onion and ground pepper as well.
- While you’re combining your cheeses, allow your pomegranate arils to dry as best as possible. I suggest placing them on paper towels and patting dry to soak up moisture.
- Form your cheese mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll into your pomegranate arils, covering as much as possible of the surface.
- Add more arils if necessary to coat and cover any open spots.
- Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. Add Rolo candy (wrapped for the pretty gold foil touch) to the top to create the stem of the ornament.
Tips
- Cheese balls are a great make ahead appetizer. Store refrigerated up to a week wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
- Be sure to cover your cheese ball tightly. This not only helps it keep its shape when you refrigerate, but it prevents air from getting inside and drying it out before serving.
- Fresh shredded cheese is always best! Pre-shredded bagged cheese is covered in substance meant to keep it from sticking – which also keeps it from a creamy finish in your recipes.
- Allow your pomegranate arils to dry as best as possible before adding to the ball. I suggest placing them on paper towels and patting dry to soak up moisture.
- Use pieces of any herbs you have for an extra elegant touch. I added a tiny ribbon bow and a stem of rosemary to give my ornament an even more festive appeal.
- This is delicious at room temperature but it can certainly be served cold right out of the fridge. It’s delicious either way, which is why it’s such a perfect make-ahead party food!
Curious about freezing your cream cheese recipes? Read more in Can you Freeze Cream Cheese to learn all about what works and what doesn’t!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pomegranate seeds and arils the same thing?
The seed is the center of the aril, with a juicy membrane exterior. Arils are the pulps of the pomegranate, sweet and juicy. The seeds themselves appear to be perfectly edible. They are a good source of antioxidants, insoluble fiber, and punicic acid.
Is pomegranate good for you?
Yes! This sweet fruit is full of antioxidants and fiber, great for gut health and blood flow.
Serving Suggestions
Providing a few options for your guests with special dietary needs is an easy way to make them feel welcome – and when it’s this delicious, who can argue with that? Serve this Christmas cheese ball with the following:
- Carrots and celery are the perfect low-carb alternative to serve with a cheddar cheese ball.
- Crostini – it’s my favorite pairing! Crunchy crostini is the ultimate way to enjoy a cheese spread, especially when drizzled in olive oil.
- Salty pretzels are so perfect with a festive Christmas cheese ball.
- Buttery crackers are always a kid (and adult!) favorite when served with any kind of cheeseball.
What to do with Leftovers
- Use the leftover cheese ball melted into your favorite pasta dishes.
- Add to sandwiches or wraps.
- Add to egg dishes like quiche.
- Top a salad with this leftover cheese ball.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Nut Free
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – You can leave this hedgehog cheese ball out for up to two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – Make this cheese ball up to one day in advance and store tightly wrapped (prior to adding toppings). Store for up to one week in the refrigerator.
What do you think? Are you ready to make this delicious pomegranate cheese ball for your next holiday party? I hope it gets rave reviews!
Hungry for more easy recipes? Sign up for my free recipe club and have amazing recipes delivered directly to your inbox each week!
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Pomegranate Christmas Cheese Ball
Why buy a holiday cheese ball when it's easy to make a cute one, in just minutes? This pomegranate cheese ball is a savory mix of creamy cheddar and tangy pomegranate flavor.
Yield
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces white cheddar shredded
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons green onion chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 cup pomegranate arils fresh
- 1 rolo candy unwrapped, for ornament top
Instructions
- Freshly shred your white cheddar. Don't skip this step, as it really contributes to the creamy flavor of this cheeseball.
- In a food processor or mixer, combine butter, cream cheese, and white cheddar. Add your garlic, green onion and ground pepper as well.
- While you're combining your cheeses, allow your pomegranate arils to dry as best as possible. I suggest placing them on paper towels and patting dry to soak up moisture.
- Form your cheese mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll into your pomegranate arils, covering as much as possible of the surface.
- Add more seeds if necessary to coat and cover any open spots.
- Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. Add Rolo candy to the top to create the stem. Serve with crackers and veggie slices.
Tips
- Shred your cheddar fresh for the best texture and flavor!
- As for your pomegranates, save that final step where it’s rolled in pomegranate anis for after refrigeration. You’ll want your cheese shape to stay very firm before rolling.
- Be sure to cover your cheddar cheese ball tightly. This not only helps it keep its shape when you refrigerate, but it prevents air from getting inside and drying your Christmas cheese ball out before it’s ready to serve.
- Use pieces of any herbs you have for an extra elegant touch. I added a tiny ribbon bow and a stem of rosemary to give my ornament an even more festive appeal.
- This is delicious at room temperature but it can certainly be served cold right out of the fridge. Great either way, which is why it’s such a perfect make-ahead party food!
- Carrots and celery are the perfect low-carb alternative to serve with a cheddar cheese ball.
- Crostini – it’s my favorite pairing! Crunchy crostini is the ultimate way to enjoy a cheese spread, especially when drizzled in olive oil.
- Salty pretzels are so perfect with a festive Christmas cheese ball.
- Buttery crackers are always a kid (and adult!) favorite when served with any kind of cheeseball.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 170kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 4g (1%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 15g (23%), Saturated Fat: 9g (45%), Cholesterol: 46mg (15%), Sodium: 195mg (8%), Potassium: 81mg (2%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 516IU (10%), Vitamin C: 2mg (2%), Calcium: 158mg (16%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Jamey says
So beautiful!!
Anonymous says
This is sooooo amazing!!!
Julie Blanner says
Thank you! That’s the ultimate compliment!
CathyAnn says
This is just brilliant! I am thinking of making this covered with sesame seeds since we don’t care for pomegranate. How far in advance can it be made? Would it freeze well until needed?
Julie Blanner says
Cream cheese doesn’t freeze well, unfortunately, but you can definitely use sesame seeds or dried cranberries if you prefer. It keeps well refrigerated and sealed tight for a few days. Enjoy!