Pomegranate Cheese Ball with Rolo Ornament Recipe
A festive and flavorful Pomegranate Cheese Ball that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and appetizer trays. Creamy cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, and savory garlic blend together, coated in juicy pomegranate arils for a beautiful and delicious presentation. Garnished with a candy ‘stem’ and rosemary sprig, this cheese ball is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces white cheddar, block, freshly shredded
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground
Coating & Garnish
- 1 cup pomegranate arils, fresh and patted dry
- 1 Rolo candy, unwrapped (for ornament top)
- 1 sprig rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a food processor or mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and shredded white cheddar until smooth. Add minced garlic, chopped green onions, and ground black pepper, and continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using clean hands, form the cheese mixture into a ball. Alternatively, place the mixture onto the center of a 12″ x 12″ piece of plastic wrap, pull up each corner tightly, and twist to form a compact ball, then release it carefully.
- Coat with Pomegranate Arils: Spread the pomegranate arils on a plate. Roll the cheese ball gently over the seeds to cover the entire surface. Press additional seeds by hand to ensure a full coating, creating a bright red, jewel-like exterior.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm. This chilling step helps the cheese ball to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish Ornament Style: Just before serving, place an unwrapped Rolo candy on top of the cheese ball as a decorative ‘stem.’ Optionally, add a sprig of rosemary and tie with a small bow to mimic a festive ornament.
- Serve: Present the Pomegranate Cheese Ball on a serving platter surrounded by crackers and vegetable slices for a colorful, tasty appetizer that guests will love.
Notes
- Make sure the pomegranate arils are dry before coating to prevent the cheese ball from becoming soggy.
- Chilling time can be extended to 1-2 hours for a firmer texture and enhanced melding of flavors.
- You can substitute green onions with chives for a milder onion flavor.
- For a different cheese flavor, swap white cheddar with sharp or smoked cheddar.
- This cheese ball holds well for up to 2 days refrigerated if wrapped tightly.
