Watermelon Basket

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

32 servings (about 1-1/3 cups dip)

Updated: Feb. 10, 2022
To make a watermelon basket, start by cutting the watermelon into shape. Then fill it with melon balls to serve with a creamy dip. —Christine Johnson, Ricetown, Kentucky
Watermelon Basket Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 large watermelon (10 pounds)
  • 1 medium honeydew, cut into balls
  • 3 cups white cranberry juice
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • FRUIT DIP:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions

  1. With a sharp knife, cut a thin slice from the bottom of the watermelon so it sits flat. Mark a horizontal cutting line 2 in. above center and around the melon.
  2. For handle, score a 1-1/2-in.-wide strip across the top of melon, connecting both sides to the horizontal line. With a long sharp knife, cut all the way through the rind above the cutting line in a zigzag pattern.
  3. Carefully lift off the side pieces. Remove fruit from both sections and cut into balls. Refrigerate the basket.
  4. In a large bowl, combine watermelon and honeydew balls. In another bowl, whisk cranberry juice, corn syrup and lime juice until blended; pour over melon balls. Cover and chill for 3 hours.
  5. Drain; spoon melon into watermelon basket. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and milk until smooth. Beat in sugar, lemon juice and cardamom; serve with melon.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup with 2 teaspoons dip: 127 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.