High-Protein Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

High-Protein Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a creamy & savory appetizer. It contains sharp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, parsley, almonds, & pomegranate arils. These are simple items that we can get easily from the stores. This Christmas tree cheese ball has cream cheese in it, so we have to use reduced-fat cheese to prepare it as a lighter option if required. High-Protein Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is prepared in 1 hour and 20 minutes, which includes chilling time, so it is good to prepare as a quick holiday snack. This cheese ball stores nicely in the fridge, so we can easily make it in advance. Serve this appetizer with crackers, fresh vegetables, fruits, and salads.

STATS:

No of Calories: 90 kcal
Time for Prep: Twenty minutes
Serving size: 2 tbsp.
Cook time: Nil
Cuisine: American
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Diet: High-Protein
Serving: 16

EQUIPMENT:

Mixing vessel
Box grater
Hand mixer
Plastic wrap

INGREDIENTS:

4 & ½ ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
One pack reduced-fat cream cheese
2 ounces Parmesan cheese
½ tsp. grated lemon zest
3 tbsp. lemon juice
One tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. garlic powder
One tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. ground pepper
One cup parsley
Three tbsp. blanched slivered almonds
3 tbsp. pomegranate arils
Assorted crackers & crudités

INGREDIENT NOTES:

SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE:

Add the sharp Cheddar cheese to provide a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. We have to reserve some of the cheese for decorating the Christmas tree.

REDUCED-FAT CREAM CHEESE:

Add the reduced-fat cream cheese to make the cheese ball, and it will provide a smooth and creamy texture. We have to soften it at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.

POMEGRANATE ARILS:

Add the pomegranate arils to decorate the cheese ball, and they will provide a sweet-tart flavor. We have to utilize the fresh arils to add bright red accents, which pair nicely with cheese & parsley.

ASSORTED CRACKERS AND CRUDITÉS:

Add the assorted crackers and crudités to serve with the cheese ball, and they will provide a crunchy texture. We have to utilize whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for a lighter serving option.

INSTRUCTIONS:

First, grate the cheddar & parmesan cheese and save some to decorate the tress.
Include the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, and cream cheese in the mixing vessel, then mix to combine.
Now cover the cheese mix & put it in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes till it becomes firm.
Add the mixture to a clean surface & shape it in a cone or tree shape and smooth its corners with the spatula.
Now add the chopped parsley on top of the tree and press it gently to stick it and form the festive look.
Lastly, add the almonds, pomegranate arils, & cheddar cheese to the cheese balls and press softly.
Serve these tree cheese balls with slices of bell pepper, cucumbers, celery, and assorted crackers.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

FRESH VEGETABLES:

Cucumber slices
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks

CRACKERS AND DIPPERS:

Whole-grain crackers
Seeded crackers
Rye crackers

FRESH FRUIT:

Apple slices
Pear slices
Pomegranate arils

SALADS AND SIDES:

Mixed green salad
Cherry tomato salad
Cucumber and dill salad

PROTEIN-RICH PAIRINGS:

Hard-boiled eggs
Grilled chicken strips
Roasted chickpeas

TIPS:

Add the soft cream cheese so it mixes smoothly with the other items.
Finely grate the parmesan & cheddar cheese to distribute it equally in the mixture.
Chill the mixture of cheese balls so it gets shaped easily.
Dry the parsley: Remove excess water from the parsley before chopping it to help the coating.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

Wrap them in the plastic then add in the tight vessel and store for 3 to 4 days.

FREEZER:

Don’t freeze these cheese balls as the texture will become grainy.

FAQs:

Can we make them in advance?

Yes, we would easily make them in advance and store in the fridge and shape them when required so it looks fresh.

How to make the nut-free recipe?

Exclude the almonds and include more cheese & arils to make it nut-free.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Serving size: 2 spoons

Calories: 90 kcal

Net carbs: 1.5 g

Iron: 0.3 mg

Sodium: 190 mg