Royal Orb Cheese Ball (Printer View)

Festive cheese ball adorned with pomegranate seeds and pistachios, ideal for elegant holiday feasts.

# Components:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
03 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
04 - 2 tbsp sour cream
05 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - ¼ tsp salt (optional, adjust to taste)

→ Coating

09 - ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
10 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

# Method steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, cheddar, feta, sour cream, chives, garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth and homogeneous.
02 - Shape the mixture into a large ball using clean hands or a spatula; refrigerate for 10–15 minutes if too soft for handling.
03 - Wrap the formed ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm and meld flavors.
04 - Unwrap the chilled orb and place on a serving plate.
05 - Press chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds evenly over the surface, alternating for a jeweled effect; optionally sprinkle with parsley.
06 - Serve immediately with crackers, crudités, or flatbread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes barely any hands-on time.
  • The pomegranate and pistachio coating creates this gorgeous contrast that tastes even better than it looks.
  • People always ask for the recipe, and it's so simple you can make it while doing a dozen other party things.
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese makes lumpy, frustrating dough that won't blend properly.
  • The pomegranate seeds will start weeping after an hour, so dress the ball right before serving, not hours ahead.
  • If your mixture feels too soft after shaping, refrigerate it longer; there's no rush once it's wrapped.
03 -
  • Keep everything cold until the moment you serve—a warm cheese ball looks sad and the toppings slide right off.
  • If you're making this ahead, assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to twenty-four hours, but refresh the pomegranate seeds and parsley the day of serving.
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