Name: Royal Orb Cheese Ball with Pistachios and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated; 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp sour cream; 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ¼ tsp salt (optional); ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped; 1 large pomegranate, seeds only (about 1 cup); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

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Introduction

The Royal Orb Cheese Ball is an elegant and flavorful appetizer, perfect for parties and special occasions. Combining cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and feta with fresh herbs and a vibrant pistachio-pomegranate coating, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

A round ball-shaped dish sits in the center of a white plate, covered with layers of chopped green pistachios and bright red pomegranate seeds mixed into a creamy white spread. The texture looks thick and chunky from the nuts and seeds, giving a colorful, rough surface over the smooth cream. The dish is on a white marbled table, with sunlight casting soft shadows that highlight the shiny red of the pomegranate seeds and the rough, broken look of the pistachios. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp salt (optional)
½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
1 large pomegranate, seeds only (about 1 cup)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, sharp cheddar, feta, sour cream, chives, garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth and uniform.
Step 2: Form the mixture into a large ball using clean hands or a spatula. If the mixture feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
Step 3: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up and allow the flavors to develop.
Step 4: When ready to serve, unwrap the chilled ball and place it on a serving dish.
Step 5: Press the chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds alternately over the surface, creating a jeweled effect. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Step 6: Serve immediately alongside crackers, crudités, or flatbread.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, substitute feta with goat cheese or omit the garlic for a less pungent taste.
Use other nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios for a different texture.
Chill the cheese ball longer for a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of parsley for a unique twist.

Storage

Wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading. The nut and pomegranate coating is best applied fresh, so consider adding a new layer before serving leftovers.

How to Serve

A large round cheese ball covered in a mixture of bright red pomegranate seeds, green chopped pistachios, and small green herb pieces, sitting in the middle of a white plate. The bottom edge of the cheese ball has some cream cheese showing through, slightly breaking the surface of the colorful nut and seed coating. Around the base of the cheese ball, loose shiny red pomegranate seeds are scattered on the plate, adding to the vibrant look. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cheese ball a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to add the pistachio and pomegranate coating just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

What can I serve with the Royal Orb Cheese Ball?

This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, or flatbreads. It also works well alongside a charcuterie board for an elegant appetizer spread.