Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with Pomegranate

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with Fresh Herbs and Pomegranate

A savory cheese mixture shaped into a tapered tree makes a chilled, no-cook appetizer with a dense coating of pomegranate arils. Parsley and chives run through the cream cheese, goat cheese, and cheddar, so the herbs are present beneath the ruby-red exterior.

The shape depends on chilling the tree until it holds its outline. Pat the arils dry and press them on shortly before serving so they adhere without leaving the surface wet.

Ingredients for the Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened (115g)
• 1 cup finely grated sharp white cheddar, about 4 ounces (115g)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (15g), plus a few small leaves for accents, optional
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• About 1 1/2 cups pomegranate arils, as needed for coating (250g)
• Crackers, bagel chips, or sliced bread, for serving

Gruyère or Swiss can replace the cheddar. If chives are unavailable, use parsley alone.

How to Make a Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

1. Dry the arils: Spread the pomegranate arils on paper towels and gently pat them dry. They should look glossy without leaving obvious wet patches. Keep them chilled while you prepare the cheese.
2. Mix the cheese: Combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, chopped parsley, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until thick and cohesive, with no large streaks of plain cream cheese.
3. Shape the tree: Spoon the mixture onto a parchment-lined platter or board that fits in the refrigerator. Use clean hands or a spatula to form one upright mound with a broad base and pointed top. Shape it on the serving platter so you do not have to move it later.
4. Chill until firm: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then lightly touch the sides. If they slump, chill for another 20 minutes and check again. The tree should hold its taper but remain soft enough for the arils to adhere.
5. Coat the tree: Shortly before serving, gently press the dried arils onto the exterior, working from the base toward the point and turning the platter as needed. Cover the surface generously without flattening the tree. Add a few small parsley leaves among the arils, if desired.
6. Serve chilled: Set out the tree with crackers, bagel chips, or sliced bread. Return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.

How to Keep the Tree’s Shape and Coating

If the mixture softens while you shape it, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before continuing rather than adding more ingredients. Do not coat a slumping tree: a firmer surface is easier to cover without losing the pointed outline.

If the arils slip or leave the cheese wet, pat away any remaining surface moisture before pressing them on gently. Keep the decorated tree chilled until serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The plain, shaped tree can be covered and refrigerated for up to two days. Add the dried pomegranate arils close to serving time; how well the fully decorated tree holds in storage is less certain. Keep the appetizer refrigerated and return leftovers promptly.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings and excluding crackers or bread: 155 calories, 6g protein, 13g fat, and 5g carbohydrates. Per 100g: about 255 calories, 9g protein, 21g fat, and 8g carbohydrates. Values vary with the cheeses used.