Festive Clementine Pecan Pomegranate Cheese Ball

This Festive Clementine Pecan Pomegranate Cheese Ball is a bright, elegant, and flavourful addition to your holiday entertaining. Made with creamy goat cheese, cheddar, and a hint of clementine zest and juice, it’s delicately sweet, tangy, and savoury all at once. Rolled in toasted pecans and jewel-like pomegranate arils, this clementine pecan cheese ball is as stunning as it is delicious – perfect for Christmas parties and festive gatherings.

Hey folks – I hope you’re doing well!

This week, I’m sharing a recipe that truly captures the holiday spirit – a clementine pecan cheese ball that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Combining the creamy richness of goat cheese and cheddar with the citrusy brightness of clementine, this appetizer is a cheerful twist on a classic. The topping of pecans and pomegranate adds irresistible texture and sparkle, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday cheese board.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Clementine Pecan Cheese Ball

• Festive and Elegant: A show-stopping appetizer with glowing holiday colours and luxurious flavours.
• Perfect Balance: The creamy cheese, sweet citrus, and crunchy nuts work together beautifully.
• Easy to Prepare: No baking required – simply mix, shape, and chill.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for stress-free entertaining during the busy festive season.

Clementine Pecan Cheese Ball: Flavour and Texture Profile

This clementine pecan cheese ball is creamy, nutty, and slightly fruity with a refreshing citrus undertone. The cheddar provides a mild savouriness, while the goat cheese brings gentle tang. Clementine zest and juice lift the flavour with brightness, complemented by aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. The toasted pecans add a buttery crunch, and the pomegranate arils give juicy bursts of sweetness that make each bite vibrant and festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar forms the base, offering a smooth, savoury note. Smoked cheddar adds an extra layer of depth.
• Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, it blends perfectly with cheddar to create a creamy, balanced texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds structure and smoothness, helping the mixture hold its shape.
• Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Aromatic herbs that bring warmth and a fragrant, festive quality – dried herbs won’t provide the same brightness.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle touch that enhances the savoury profile without overpowering the citrus.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and complexity to balance the sweet and creamy elements.
• Clementine Zest and Juice: Deliver a bright, citrusy flavour that makes the cheese ball fresh and distinctive.
• Pecans: Toasted and finely chopped, they create a crunchy, buttery coating.
• Pomegranate Arils: Add jewel-toned colour, juicy sweetness, and a fresh pop of flavour in every bite.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this pecan clementine pomegranate cheese ball is already delicious, you can always customize it further:

• Add Heat: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne can balance the sweetness of the clementine.
• Swap the Nuts: Walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives to pecans.
• Include Dried Fruit: Finely chopped cranberries or apricots can add chewiness and sweetness.
• Make Mini Versions: Roll the mixture into smaller balls for individual servings on appetiser boards.

Can I Make This Holiday Cheese Ball Ahead?

Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made up to two days in advance. Simply prepare and shape the cheese mixture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Roll in the pecan and pomegranate mixture just before serving to keep the topping fresh and vibrant.

More Delicious Holiday Appetizer Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes like this clementine pecan cheese ball? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Cheese and Chestnut Biscuits – Holiday Savoury Treat
• Festive Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer with Cranberries and Pistachios
• Festive Holiday Pistachio Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball
• Christmas Lingonberry Brie Naan Pizza: A Festive Appetizer
• Cranberry Walnut Cheese Biscuits

I’d love for you to try this festive clementine pecan cheese ball. If you give this holiday appetizer recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Festive Clementine Pecan Pomegranate Cheese Ball

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Cheese and Appetizers

Servings

8-12

servings

Prep time

45

minutes

Chilling time

1-2

hours

Festive clementine pecan cheese ball with cheddar, goat cheese, rosemary, thyme, and pomegranate – a bright, elegant Christmas appetizer.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 3 cups (300 gr.) shredded mild cheddar, preferably smoked

• 3/4 cup (~200 gr.) soft goat cheese, room temperature

• 3-4 tbsp. (45-60 gr.) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary (dried herbs are not a good substitution)

• 1 tsp. fresh thyme (dried herbs are not a good substitution)

• pinch of garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

• zest of 1 clementine (tangerine or mandarin orange), grated or finely minced

• 2-3 tbsp. (30-45 ml.) clementine (tangerine or mandarin orange) juice

• 1 cup (100 gr.) pecan halves, toasted and finely chopped

• 1 cup (170 gr.) pomegranate arils

Directions

• Place the cream cheese and goat cheese in a large bowl and mix until combined, using a wooden spoon or a hand mixer. Stir in the cheddar, smoked paprika, herbs, garlic powder, tangerine juice and zest.
• Add the pecans and mix once again to combine. You might need to add a bit of cheddar (up to 1/3 cup grated) more to thicken up, but keep in mind that once refrigerated, the cheese ball hardens as well.
• Roll the mixture into a ball. It will be a little sticky so refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
• Cover the cheese ball with the pomegranate arils gently pressing them into the cheese and gently turning the ball to coat all sides.
• Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and chill for an hour or until ready to serve. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. Enjoy!