Are you looking to create a festive treat for your Holiday party? The Pomegranate Christmas Ornament Cheese Ball is the perfect choice. This vibrant red Christmas ball, resembling a festive ornament, is a no-cook appetizer that you can make ahead of time. It’s not just a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas snack table, but it also tastes delicious and will wow everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to add a unique snack to your family’s holiday menu, this edible holiday centerpiece is the perfect choice.
Ingredients to Make Christmas Ornament Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- Cream cheese, softened
- Mexican-blend cheese
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 1 Pomegranate
- Wrapped Rolo candy
- Bow-shaped pretzel piece
How To Make A Christmas Cheese Ball
Step 1: Prepare the pomegranate seeds. Slice the pomegranate in half and carefully remove the seeds. Then, gently pat the seeds dry with a paper towel and set them aside.
Step 2: Mix the cheeseball ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and spices. Stir and be sure that the spices are evenly distributed. You want to avoid clumps of spices. Be patient at this step; it takes a bit of effort to stir cream cheese, even when it is softened.
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Step 3: Shape the ball. Put on your food-safe gloves and scoop the mixture into a large ball. Then, place the ball in the refrigerator to chill and stiffen.
Step 4: Coat the ball. Put a fresh pair of food-safe gloves on. Spread the pomegranate seeds out on a small flat plate. Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and gently roll it in the seeds. I didn’t find this process as easy as I expected, but I quickly figured out that I needed to press the seeds into the ball. So work with it, and you will figure out the best way. I realized that I was being a bit too gentle.
Step 5: Add the details. Next, place a single-wrapped Rolo candy on top and press it down to keep it in place. Then, break a pretzel piece to make it look like a hook and press that into the Rolo piece.
Serve and Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
About the Pomegranate. Sometimes, you can find pomegranate seeds at the grocery store, which will make life even easier if you can buy them. It is a messy adventure to remove the seeds but it is also a bit fun. If you do decide to work with a whole pomegranate wear an apron and maybe even a shirt that you don’t mind getting a red stain on.
Easy Pomegranate Prep. As I said, removing the seeds can get messy. To make it easier, slice the fruit in half and gently separate the seeds in a water bowl. This will help contain the splatter, and the seeds will sink while the white membrane pieces float.
Use Gloves. Cream cheese is significantly sticky when shaping it into a cheese ball. Wear food-safe gloves to keep your hands clean and help a bit in the shaping process. I went through two sets to make these cheese balls.
Firm it up. Refrigerate the ball for at least 15 minutes, but leave it in for an hour if you can manage it. This will help with coating the pomegranate seeds.
Pomegranate Christmas Ornament Cheese Ball
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Mexican-blend cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Seeds arils from 1 pomegranate
- 1 single-serving wrapped Rolo candy
- 1 bow-shaped pretzel piece
Instructions
- Prepare the Pomegranate Seeds. Cut the pomegranate in half and gently remove the seeds (arils). To avoid a mess, do this in a bowl of water—the seeds will sink while the white membrane floats. Strain and pat the seeds dry with a paper towel.
- Mix the Cheese Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Mexican-blend cheese, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Cheese Ball. Using your hands (wear gloves if needed), shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to let it firm up slightly.
- Coat with Pomegranate Arils. Once firm, remove the cheese ball from the fridge. Gently press the pomegranate arils onto the surface of the cheese ball until it is fully coated, creating a festive, jewel-like exterior.
- Decorate the Ornament. Place the wrapped Rolo candy on top of the cheese ball, pressing down lightly to secure it. Break off a piece of the pretzel to create a rounded hook shape, and insert it into the Rolo to resemble the hanger of a Christmas ornament.
- Serve. Transfer the completed ornament cheese ball to a serving platter. Serve immediately with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies.
