There is something about the holidays that requires Cheeseballs. Honestly, there is no other time of the year that I think, we should mix a bunch of cheese together, roll it up and serve it like a ball. ha!! So in keeping with the holiday tradition, and because this Cheeseball deserves all of the Twinkle Light Holiday Glory, here is our most loved:

Pomegranate Sage Cheeseball

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 fresh sage leaves
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
4 ounces grated Havarti Cheese
6 ounces grated Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup sliced, toasted almonds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup pomegranate arils (you can find these all ready for you in most produce sections!)
Serve with Trader Joe Pita Crackers

In a small skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add in the whole sage leaves. Sauté about 1 minute per side until crispy. Remove the sage leaves from the butter and place them on a paper towel to keep them crispy. Save the butter! Just set the pan aside until you’re ready for it.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, havarti and sharp cheddar. Mix until well combined, then add in the toasted almonds, crushed sage leaves, remaining butter, salt and pepper. Mix for about a minute more until combined. Mold the cheese mixture into a big ball as best you can. Roll it in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

While it is chilling, place the pomegranate arils on a paper towel and pat them completely dry. Let them sit out while the cheese is chilling to remove as much liquid as possible.

If you are making the cheeseball ahead of time wait until the day of to roll it in the pomegranate seeds. When you’re ready to serve, take the cheeseball out of the fridge an hour before guests arrive. Once the outer part is slightly sticky pour the pomegranate seeds onto a plate and roll the cheeseball in them until it is fully covered, you will probably need to press a few into the missing spots. Place the cheeseball on your appetizer plate and let it rest until guests arrive.

Serve with Pita or Water Crackers!

Cheers to enjoying life together - cheeseballs included ;) If you’re in need of more menu inspiration be sure to check out our cookbook Dinner Changes Everything, and if you need a few fun serving spoons for your appetizer tray we have some truly unique ones all hand crafted by artisans in Africa. Together we are giving dignified work and filling our tables with true beauty.