Description
This Pomegranate White Cheddar Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer that brings a delightful combination of tangy pomegranate, creamy white cheddar, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious snack! Serve with crackers, sliced veggies, or bread for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or from a pomegranate aril container)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (or walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Extra pomegranate seeds and pecans for rolling (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Flavorings:
- Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Pomegranate and Pecans:
- Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds and chopped pecans, being careful not to break up the seeds. The bright red pomegranate seeds will add color and tanginess, while the pecans provide a nice crunch.
- Form the Cheese Ball:
- Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up before shaping.
- Roll the Cheese Ball:
- On a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper, spread some extra chopped pecans and pomegranate seeds. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans and seeds until fully coated on the outside. This not only gives the cheese ball a beautiful presentation but also adds texture and flavor.
- Chill:
- Once rolled, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This helps the flavors meld and gives the cheese ball time to firm up.
- Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish the cheese ball with fresh parsley or additional pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. Serve with your favorite crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like cucumber or celery.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to swap the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different flavors.
- Make-Ahead: This cheese ball can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for busy holidays or gatherings.
- Sweetness Balance: If you prefer a sweeter contrast, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the cheese mixture for a unique twist.
- Serving Tip: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread or scoop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Shaping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of the cheese ball)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg