This Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto is an appetizer that will stun your guests. A scoop of watermelon is hollowed out and filled with cream cheese and set on a bed of basil pesto. Finally, drizzled with sweet balsamic glaze. It’s a showstopper for sure! Let me show you how I made it.
![Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto HERO](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bite-Shot.jpg)
Contents
Ingredients needed for my Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto
- Seedless watermelon
- Cream Cheese (or you can opt for feta)
- Balsamic Glaze
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Parmesan
- Walnuts or Pine nuts
- Squeeze of fresh Lemon Juice
![Ingredients to make Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ingredients.jpg)
How to cut the watermelon
I am using a large stainless scoop to get that round. They are super inexpensive and easily found on Amazon. Usually called a potato disher or scoop labeled as a size 6. It’s about 5 1/2 ounces in capacity and the perfect size for this appetizer.
![How to cut the watermelon for Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Scooped.jpg)
Before you remove it from your bigger scoop, use that to help you hold it while you use a smaller scoop to hollow out the center. A melon baller works great here too!
![Cut a smaller round from the center](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Smaller-scoop.jpg)
CHEF’S NOTE: Be sure to turn the newly hollowed out scoop onto paper towels to drain for at least 5 minutes. There’s a lot of excess liquid in there and we don’t want it to take away from our beautiful appetizer.
![Drain on paper towels](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Drain-on-paper-towels.jpg)
Wash that smaller scoop and use it to create the perfect sized ball of either cream cheese or feta cheese to fit into the hollowed out center.
![Using the same scoop, scoop from a block of cream cheese](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Scooped-cream-cheese.jpg)
Now to make the pesto, you’ll need:
- Basil leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
- Walnuts or Pine Nuts
- Parmesan
- Oil
Make it as smooth or chunky as you want. I omitted garlic but you could add it if you’d like.
![](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Basil-and-walnuts-in-processor.jpg)
![](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Parmesan.jpg)
![](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Add-oil.jpg)
![](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Pesto-bowl.jpg)
Spread the pesto on to the serving plate and then place the stuffed watermelon ball on top of it. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with a lemon wedge.
![Place onto a plate with pesto](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Uncut.jpg)
The real surprise is when your guests cut into the appetizers. It’s sweet and savory, rich from that glaze. A little squeeze of that lemon adds brightness. Just a mouthful of flavors.
![Sliced](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sliced.jpg)
Did you make my Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto? Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Doesn’t it look yummy?
![PIN for Watermelon with Cream Cheese and Pesto](https://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Pinterest-Ad-Pin-for-Watermelon-Stuffed-with-Cream-Cheese.jpg)
Preparation Time:
- Approximately 20 minutes
Equipment Required:
- Sharp Knife
- Large Disher/Scoop
- Smaller Scoop
Ingredients:
- 1 personal sized seedless watermelon
- Cream Cheese (or Feta Cheese)
- Balsamic Glaze
FOR THE PESTO:
- 2 c Basil Leaves
- 1/4 c Walnuts (or Pine Nuts)
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- pinch Pepper
- 2-3 Tbsp Oil
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan
Method:
- Using a large scoop, create a round from the watermelon and using a smaller scoop, hollow out the center.
- Place on paper towels to drain.
- Using the same smaller scoop, create a round of cream cheese (or feta) that will fit perfectly into the hollowed out center.
- Make the basil pesto and spread onto the serving plate.
- Place the stuffed watermelon onto the pesto and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Garnish with a chiffonade of basil and a lemon wedge.
- Serve immediately.
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