Description
This Pomegranate White Cheddar Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer combining creamy cream cheese and sharp white cheddar with crunchy toasted pecans and fresh, juicy pomegranate seeds. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it is enhanced with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and savory spices, then rolled in more pomegranate seeds and pecans for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
Flavorings and Mix-ins
- 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
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or from a pomegranate aril container)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (or walnuts)
For Rolling and Garnish (Optional)
- Extra pomegranate seeds
- Extra toasted pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the spices and tangy elements are evenly incorporated into the cheese mixture.
- Fold in Pomegranate and Pecans: Gently fold in the fresh pomegranate seeds and finely chopped toasted pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture without crushing the seeds.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a compact ball. Transfer it onto a plate or a piece of plastic wrap for easy handling.
- Roll the Cheese Ball: Place extra pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball over the seeds and nuts gently so it becomes coated on the outside, creating a festive and textured outer layer.
- Chill: Wrap the formed and coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up for easier slicing and serving.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- For a nut-free option, omit the pecans and roll the cheese ball in only pomegranate seeds or chopped herbs.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
- Make the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance; keep tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, crostini, or sliced fresh vegetables like cucumber and bell pepper.
