Ornament Cheese Ball | Cute Holiday Cheeseball Recipe

A festive pomegranate cheese ball on a platter with crackers.

Ornament Cheese Ball | Cute Holiday Cheeseball Recipe

Why buy a holiday cheese ball when it's easy to make in minutes? This Pomegranate Cheeseball is a savory mix of creamy cheddar and tangy pomegranate flavor.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Refrigerate 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings

Calories 170kcal

Author Julie Blanner

Cost $15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter softened
8 ounces cream cheese softened
8 ounces white cheddar shredded
1 tablespoon garlic minced
3 tablespoons green onion chopped
1/8 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.

Notes

As I mentioned before, please please shred your own cheddar.
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!

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.

Nutrition