Description
This Pomegranate White Cheddar Cheese Ball is a delightful and festive appetizer that combines creamy cream cheese with sharp white cheddar, sweet and tangy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful snack, this cheese ball is easy to prepare and can be served with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
Flavorings and Add-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)
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra pomegranate seeds and pecans for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend them well until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the cheese mixture.
- Fold in Pomegranate and Pecans: Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds and finely chopped toasted pecans, being careful not to crush the pomegranate seeds too much to maintain their juicy texture.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a compact ball. If the mixture is too soft, chilling it briefly in the refrigerator can help firm it up for easier shaping.
- Roll the Cheese Ball: Optionally, roll the cheese ball in a mixture of extra pomegranate seeds, chopped pecans, and chopped fresh parsley for an attractive and flavorful coating.
- Chill: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
- Serve: Remove from the fridge and serve chilled with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly toasted pecans or walnuts to maximize flavor and crunch.
- Pomegranate seeds add a lovely burst of sweetness and texture but can be substituted with dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable.
- This cheese ball can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator wrapped tightly to enhance flavor development.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth texture.
- Optional garnishes such as fresh parsley, extra pomegranate seeds, and nuts not only add to the presentation but also enhance flavor.
