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Watermelon & Pistachio-Crusted Cream Cheese Balls With Balsamic Drizzle
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Watermelon & Pistachio-Crusted Cream Cheese Balls With Balsamic Drizzle

Recipe by Chef zouheir

From the Blog Author

This Watermelon & Pistachio-Crusted Cream Cheese Balls With Balsamic Drizzle is one of my go-to summer treats because every bite feels like a cool splash of hydration after a hot day. I first made it on a rainy afternoon and the bright melon and nutty pistachios instantly lifted my mood. What I love most is how the creamy center of tangy cream cheese is encased in a crisp, salty pistachio shell that gives a satisfying crunch with each bite. The juicy watermelon pieces add a burst of natural sweetness that balances the tang of the cheese, while a subtle drizzle of aged balsamic ties everything together with just a hint of savory depth. The result is a playful contrast of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and light. A small tip that keeps these balls from falling apart is to chill the mixture for ten minutes before rolling; that makes the pistachios stick better and keeps the cream cheese firm on the outside. If you try this, I’d love to hear how you tweak it—perhaps adding a pinch of chili or swapping pistachios for almonds. Drop me a line, tell me what you think, and keep sharing the moments of sweetness you create.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, diced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Directions

1

Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar (and honey, if using) over medium-low heat.

2

Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half (about 8–10 minutes) and thickened to a syrup-like consistency.

3

Remove from heat and let cool; it will thicken further as it cools.

4

Make the Cream Cheese Balls: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, honey, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.

5

Chill the mixture for 15 minutes to firm up slightly.

6

Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls.

7

Roll each ball in ground pistachios, coating evenly.

8

Chill the coated balls for another 15 minutes.

9

Assemble the Dish: Divide diced watermelon among serving plates or a platter.

10

Place one pistachio-crusted cream cheese ball on top of each watermelon portion.

11

Drizzle generously with balsamic reduction.

12

Garnish with extra chopped pistachios and fresh mint, if using.

13

Serve immediately while the watermelon is fresh and the cream cheese is cool.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cream cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store the uncrusted balls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to coat and serve.

What can I substitute for pistachios in the crust?

For a different texture and flavor, you can substitute the pistachios with finely chopped almonds, pecans, or even toasted shredded coconut.

How should I properly store leftover Watermelon & Pistachio-Crusted Cream Cheese Balls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent the crust from getting soggy.