Royal Orb Cheese Ball with Pistachios and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
The Royal Orb Cheese Ball is an elegant and festive appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy feta, enhanced with fresh chives and garlic. Coated with crunchy pistachios and jewel-like pomegranate seeds, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 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)
Coating & Garnish
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 large pomegranate, seeds only (about 1 cup)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Cheese Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, finely grated sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, sour cream, fresh chives, minced garlic, black pepper, and optional salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Shape and Chill: Using clean hands or a spatula, form the cheese mixture into a large ball. If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up before forming the ball.
- Refrigerate to Firm: Wrap the shaped cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the ball to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare for Serving: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator, unwrap it carefully, and place it on a serving dish, ready for decoration.
- Apply Coating: Press the roughly chopped pistachios and the pomegranate seeds alternately over the surface of the cheese ball. This creates a striking jeweled look with vibrant colors and texture. Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh herbal note and enhanced presentation.
- Serve: Serve the Royal Orb Cheese Ball immediately with an array of crackers, crudités, or flatbreads as a stunning and delicious appetizer centerpiece.
Notes
- If the cheese ball is too soft to shape initially, chilling it briefly helps to firm it up for easier handling.
- For best flavor, prepare the cheese ball several hours ahead or the day before to allow the flavors to develop.
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the best texture and visual appeal; frozen seeds may release excess moisture.
- This cheese ball can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheeses used do not contain animal-derived rennet.
Keywords: cheese ball, appetizer, party snack, holiday appetizer, cream cheese, pomegranate, pistachio, easy appetizer, no cook
