Ingredients
Method
Mix the cheese ball:
- Add softened cream cheese, goat cheese, and feta to a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until creamy and well combined.
- Add in the white cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, orange zest, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper and mix to combine. Add the cranberries, mixing again to combine. Don’t over-mix once the cranberries are added, or they will break up too much.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30-60 minutes before shaping it.
Shape the cheese ball:
- Lay two long pieces of plastic wrap out on the counter in a cross shape.
- Scrape the cheese mixture out of the bowl and onto the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic up and over the cheese mixture and use your hands to form it into a cone/Christmas tree shape.
Coat the cheese ball:
- In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped parsley and dill.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the cheese ball. Use your hands to gently press the chopped herbs all around the tree until it is well covered.
- Press the pine nuts into the tree to make a garland, then press the pomegranate seeds into the tree at random for ornaments.
- Using a mini star-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife), cut a star shape out of a ¼-inch thick piece of cheddar. Insert a toothpick into the bottom, then insert the other end of the toothpick into the cheese ball.
- Serve it right away or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- To make this ahead of time, we suggest assembling the base of the cheese ball, wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it plain (uncoated). You can make it up to a week ahead of time. Add the outer layer of herbs and the decorations just before serving!
