Pomegranate-Coated Goat Cheese Ornament

This festive appetizer looks like a holiday ornament and works great for parties or charcuterie boards.

Ingredients

• 10 oz goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or parsley (optional garnish)
• Pretzel stick, rosemary sprig, or cinnamon stick for the “ornament top”
• Crackers or sliced baguette for serving

Some ingredients are available to purchase HERE

Instructions

1. Make the cheese mixture
   In a bowl, mix goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and thyme until smooth.
2. Shape the ornament
   Form the mixture into a smooth ball using clean hands or plastic wrap. Chill for 20–30 minutes so it firms up.
3. Coat with pomegranate
   Gently press pomegranate arils all over the cheese ball until fully covered.
4. Decorate
   Roll the bottom edge in pistachios or parsley if desired. Insert a short pretzel stick, rosemary sprig, or cinnamon stick at the top to resemble an ornament hanger.
5. Serve
   Place on a platter with crackers, crostini, apple slices, or pear slices.

Variations

• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside the cheese mixture.
• Use dried cranberries mixed with the pomegranate for extra texture.
• Drizzle lightly with hot honey before serving.