Festive Cheese Ball Recipe: Best Holiday Appetizer

There’s one thing that’s always a staple on our holiday menu: a festive cheese ball!

These bite-sized balls of cheesy goodness are the easy holiday appetizer that I keep coming back to.

Whether it’s a casual family get-together or a full-blown holiday party, a festive cheese ball adds a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread.

There are many variations of making holiday cheese balls but my family’s favorite is this festive look that resembles cute Christmas tree ornaments. Pomegranate seeds make them look truly festive adding a burst of color.

We love how the creaminess of the cheese perfectly complements the tartness of the pomegranate!

Plus, not only is this Christmas cheese ball recipe quick and easy to make but it’s also kid-approved, even by the toughest critic in my kitchen. My 3-year-old girl, who usually isn’t a fan of cheese, gave this new recipe the ultimate seal of approval.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love this festive Christmas cheese ball recipe:

Ingredients Needed For Festive Cheese Ball Recipe

• 2 mozzarella sticks
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 4 olives
• 1/2 cup grapes, yellow
• 1/2 pomegranate
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• dill sprigs, for hangers

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Grate the mozzarella cheese sticks.

2. Let your soft cheese of choice (I use cream cheese) come to room temperature.

3. While the cheese softens, wash and dry the grapes. Seed half of pomegranate.

4. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the grated mozzarella.

5. Add garlic powder and stir.

6. Take a small portion of the cheese mixture and flatten it in your palm.

7. Place a grape in the center of the cream cheese mixture, and spoon the cheese over it to form a ball.

8. Roll the cheese balls in the pomegranate seeds, pressing them into the mixture.

9. Cut the olives in half and insert dill sprigs (or green onions) as “hangers” on the cheese balls.

10. Arrange your delicious appetizer on a festive serving plate.

 Your super festive homemade cheese ball is ready to steal the spotlight!

Tips for Best Results

Here are some tips to ensure your festive cheese ball recipe turns out as delightful as can be:

• Cheese Choice Matters: You could also use goat cheese for this recipe as it adds more rich and tangy flavor to your festive cheese balls. Its creamy texture also pairs wonderfully with the mozzarella.
• Room Temperature Magic: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to make it easier to mix. Here’s how to soften cream cheese.

Decorating and Personalizing

Here are some ideas to make your cheese balls even more eye-catching:

• Flavor Exploration: Make your signature holiday appetizers by experimenting with different flavors like fresh herbs, spices, or dried fruits to give your cheese balls an extra kick.
• Perfect Pairings: These sweet cheese balls can also be a delightful combo! Pair them with your family’s favorite crackers, pretzels, chopped pecans or sliced veggies, for a well-rounded snack.
• Extra Touch of Sweetness: For a sweet and savory surprise, consider adding a touch of honey or a sprinkle of crushed nuts.

Hosting Tips

Here are some tips on how to seamlessly incorporate the best holiday cheese ball recipe into your holiday gatherings:

Prep Ahead: Shape the cheese balls a day before, and pop them in the fridge. On the day of your family gathering, just roll them in pomegranate seeds. Keep them chilled until it’s time to impress your guests.

Family Gathering Staple: Whether it’s a Christmas Eve bash, New Year’s Eve gathering, or just a casual family movie night, serve these easy-to-make mini cheese balls and witness how your family will devour these delights! This versatile recipe can grace any occasion with its twist.

Festive Centerpiece: These cheese balls aren’t just appetizers; they’re conversation starters. Present them on a festive platter alongside your other appetizers for a visually appealing display. For a whimsical touch, consider pairing them with this charming snowman cheese board, this vibrant Caprese Christmas tree salad, or this cute Santa charcuterie board. Watch as they steal the spotlight at your gathering!

Storage

In case you have leftovers, place your festive cheese balls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days to maintain their flavors.

Alternatively, you could wrap the cheese balls in a large piece of plastic wrap before storing them in the fridge to keep unwanted flavors from infiltrating their cheesy goodness.

One Last Thing

Before I wrap up, here’s the best part – you can unleash your creativity with this easy cheese ball recipe!

Try different toppings, experiment with shapes, and make each batch uniquely yours. Cherish the process and enjoy the delicious results.

Don’t forget to capture the moment while your kids are rolling, grating, or just happily forming their ball of cheese. These are the memories that make the holiday season truly magical.

So, snap a few shots of the chaos and cherish these cheesy moments for the years to come!

Happy holidays!

Your Turn

If you make these cute festive cheese balls, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a star review and a comment below on the recipe card.

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