Palla di Natale con Formaggio e Melagrana (Cheese Christmas Ball with Pomegranate

A Festive Cheese and Pomegranate Treat

As the holiday season draws near, our homes fill with twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and the joyful anticipation of gathering with loved ones. Christmas is a time for celebration, indulgence, and sharing moments that linger long after the last ornament is put away. And what better way to kick off a festive evening than with an aperitivo—a small, elegant bite that awakens the palate and sparks conversation?

This year, delight your guests with a Cheese Christmas Ball: a creamy cheese sphere, the brightness of pomegranate seeds, and a hint of fragrant herbs. Shaped like a sparkling holiday ornament, it brings both flavor and festivity to your table. Perfect for nibbling with crackers or fresh endive leaves, this little Christmas ball transforms the simple act of snacking into a moment of holiday magic.

BUON NATALE – MERRY CHRISTMAS

PALLA DI NATALE CON FORMAGGIO E MELAGRANA (CHEESE CHRISTMAS BALL WITH POMEGRANATE)

Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes                          Chill Time: 30 minutes                           Servings: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

200g (7 oz) soft goat cheese (I use Zincarlin, the typical Lake Como goat cheese)
50g (1.7 oz) cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
50g (1.7 oz) pomegranate seeds
Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Crackers, crostini, or endive leaves for serving

DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you use Zincarlin do not add any other ingredients to the cheeses
2. Shape the Ball. On a piece of plastic wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a ball (about the size of a small orange). Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up
3. Prepare the Coating. Place pomegranate seeds in a shallow bowl. To prepare the see check my recipe. Carefully unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pomegranate mixture, pressing gently so the seeds stick
4. Serve. Place the Christmas ball on a serving plate and garnish with fresh herbs.Serve with crackers, crostini, or endive leaves for scooping.

NOTE
Some optional tips for festive touch: Drizzle a little honey over the top before serving for extra sparkle. Make mini “Christmas balls” for individual servings—they’re perfect for a buffet. Press pomegranate seeds lightly into the cheese to ensure they stay in place. – Paola