I love a good cheese ball this time of year. Growing up I only had them at my grandparent’s house during the holidays, and they were such a treat. I also love anything in miniature form. So with my love for cheese balls and all things mini, these beautiful Pomegranate and Pistachio Mini Goat Cheese Balls were born!
The Mini-Sized Appetizer You Need this Holiday Season
This time of year is filled with holiday parties and gatherings, and my Pomegranate and Pistachio Mini Goat Cheese Balls are the perfect seasonal appetizer and are great addition to winter salads. They’re delicious, very holiday, and so pretty.
Ruby red winter pomegranate arils add a beautifully bright pop of color against the subtle green background; they also add a sweetness that pairs wonderfully with creamy goat cheese and salty pistachios.
These cheesy balls of goodness have the "wow" factor that every holiday party needs. I suggest doubling or tripling the recipe for your next party to ensure you don’t run out. Serve with a selection or crackers, pretzels, or apple slices and you’re set!
More seasonal recipes you will love:
Winter Rubies You Can Eat
Not only do pomegranate arils add color and sweetness to this seasonal recipe, but these bright red beauties also add nutrition.
Just 1/4 cup of pomegranate arils contains 36 calories, 6 g sugar, nearly 2 g fiber, and a wealth of good-for-you nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Pomegranate juice contains all of the above nutrients aside from fiber.
Sweet and juicy, with a hint of tang, antioxidant rich pomegranate arils have a slight crunch and are delicious on salads, grain bowls, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, yogurt bowls, and these festive Pomegranate and Pistachio Mini Goat Cheese Balls! The sweetness and crunch from the pomegranate arils pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and salty pistachios in this recipe.
Pomegranate's Disease Fighting Properties
The primary phytochemicals in pomegranates are anthocyanins, colorful polyphenol pigments that are found in a variety of red, purple, and blue foods. Anthocyanins are antioxidants with disease fighting properties. Specifically, the anti-inflammatory and heart healthy properties found in anthocyanins may help prevent clot formations, support healthy blood pressure, and reduce the risk of some cancers.
Its safe to say, these ruby red arils pack a flavor and nutrient punch. Now let’s get down to business and get to the recipe for these Pomegranate and Pistachio Mini Goat Cheese Balls!
What’s in This Recipe?
Goat cheese – contains calcium and protein; lower in lactose than cow’s milk cheese
Cream cheese – contains calcium and protein
Lemon juice – contains vitamin C
Honey – natural sweetener; contains antioxidants, prebiotics, and a variety of vitamins and minerals
Fresh herbs – thyme and chives
Pomegranate arils – contains antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K
Pistachios – contains healthy fats, protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals
Notes: These cheese balls are naturally gluten free. If you don’t have or like pistachios you could easily sub in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts in this recipe. Also, be gentle when mixing in the pomegranate arils to ensure they don’t burst.
Pomegranate and Pistachio Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10-12 mini cheese balls
Ingredients:
4 oz goat cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp. chives, minced
6 tbsp. pomegranate arils, divided
1/4-1/3 cup lightly salted roasted pistachios, finely chopped
Directions:
In a medium sized mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and honey. Using a handheld or stand mixer, mix until fully combined and smooth.
Add the chives and thyme to the cheese mixture. Mix with a rubber spatula until fully combined.
Next, carefully fold in 3 tbsp. of pomegranate arils until well dispersed.
Add the chopped pistachios to a wide, flat bowl or plate.
Roll the cheese mixture into tablespoon sized balls with greased hands (use nonstick spray or olive oil), then roll each cheese ball in the chopped pistachios to cover entirely.
Press the extra pomegranate arils into the pistachio coasted cheese balls as desired.
Place the cheese balls in the fridge to firm up until ready to serve.
Serve with crackers, pretzels, and/or fruit of your choice.
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