Royal Orb Cheese Ball (Printable)

A festive cheese ball decorated with pomegranate seeds and pistachios, ideal for elegant occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ Coating

09 - ½ cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
10 - Seeds of 1 large pomegranate (about 1 cup arils)
11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional

# Method:

01 - In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, feta, sour cream, chives, garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth and fully blended.
02 - Using clean hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a large ball; if too soft, refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before shaping.
03 - Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm and allow flavors to develop.
04 - Unwrap chilled cheese ball and place on a serving plate.
05 - Press chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds alternately all over the surface for a decorative effect. Sprinkle parsley if desired.
06 - Present immediately with crackers, crudités, or flatbread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely showstopping yet comes together in about 20 minutes of actual work.
  • The creamy, tangy cheese center tastes better than it has any right to, especially when those tart pomegranate seeds burst against the rich cheeses.
  • You can make it hours ahead and just unwrap it right before guests arrive, which means less stress and more time enjoying the party.
02 -
  • The chilling hour isn't optional—it's what transforms a soft spread into a proper cheese ball that holds together and slices neatly when people dig in.
  • Taste the mixture before shaping; if it needs more salt or garlic, adjust it now because you can't season it after the cheese ball is set.
  • Don't press the toppings on too early or they'll slide right off as the cheese ball sweats; do this step just before serving.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese will give you lumps and frustration.
  • If pomegranates aren't in season or you want to get ahead, you can buy pre-packaged pomegranate arils from the produce section; they're worth the small premium for convenience.
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