Print

Elegant Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

A stack of creamy goat cheese balls coated in dried cranberries and chopped nuts, one is bitten into.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make impressive, easy-to-prepare Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls. This no-bake appetizer is creamy, tangy, and perfect for holiday parties or elegant entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces soft goat cheese, room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for color contrast)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature goat cheese, softened cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  2. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up slightly, which makes rolling easier.
  3. Prepare your coating: On a shallow plate, mix the finely chopped dried cranberries and the finely chopped toasted pecans. If using, mix the parsley into this coating mixture as well.
  4. Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small ball, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  5. Roll each cheese ball immediately in the cranberry pecan mixture until it is completely coated.
  6. Place the finished cheese balls on a serving platter lined with parchment paper.
  7. Chill the cheese balls for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps them hold their shape.
  8. Serve cold or slightly chilled with crackers or small toasts.

Notes

  • For a make ahead party food option, you can roll the balls up to 2 days in advance. Keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a slightly different flavor, substitute walnuts for pecans or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
  • Serve these gourmet cheese bites with a drizzle of spicy honey for an extra kick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/goat-cheese-balls-cranberry-pecan-recipe/