Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy goat cheese blended with cinnamon and honey is rolled in a crunchy mixture of pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 10 oz goat cheese
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for garnish
• 1 ½ cups diced pecans, divided
• 1 cup diced dried cranberries
• ½ cup minced fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until light and fluffy. Fold in ½ cup of the diced pecans and set the mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Line your countertop with parchment paper. In the center, toss together the remaining 1 cup pecans, dried cranberries, and minced parsley to create the coating mixture.
3. Step 3: Using a large cookie scoop, portion out rounds of the cheese mixture. Roll each ball in the cranberry, pecan, and parsley mixture until fully coated. Repeat until all cheese balls are coated.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the cheese balls until ready to serve. They can be made up to two days in advance; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Step 5: To serve, drizzle the cheese balls with extra honey if desired. Enjoy with crackers, warm crostini, or simply with a toothpick or pretzel stick.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor twist, try substituting fresh rosemary or thyme for the parsley.
• Use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for varied texture and taste.
• If you prefer a sweeter cheese ball, add an extra tablespoon of honey to the cheese mixture.

Storage

Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for the best flavor and texture. Drizzle with honey just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored refrigerated in an airtight container.

What can I serve with these cheese balls?

They are delicious served with crackers, warm crostini, pretzel sticks, or even fresh vegetable slices.

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 130 reviews

These Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining. Creamy goat cheese and cream cheese are blended with warm cinnamon and honey, then rolled in a vibrant mix of dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Easy to prepare ahead and serve with crackers or crostini, these cheese balls are sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 mini cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 10 oz goat cheese
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for garnish
• ½ cup diced pecans

Coating

• 1 cup diced dried cranberries
• 1 cup diced pecans (remaining 1 cup)
• ½ cup minced fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of honey until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures that the cheese balls will have a creamy and smooth texture. Fold in ½ cup of the diced pecans to add crunch and flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture: Line your countertop with parchment paper. In the center of the parchment, toss together the remaining 1 cup diced pecans, dried cranberries, and minced fresh parsley. This colorful and flavorful coating will give the cheese balls a beautiful presentation and great texture.
3. Form and Coat Cheese Balls: Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out rounds of the cheese mixture and gently roll each ball in the cranberry and pecan coating on the parchment paper to evenly coat. Continue this process until all the cheese mixture has been formed into mini balls and coated.
4. Chill: Place the coated cheese balls in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. They can be made up to two days in advance, which makes preparation easy for entertaining.
5. Serve: Before serving, optionally drizzle the cheese balls with extra honey for added sweetness and shine. Serve them with crackers, warm crostini, or simply on their own with a toothpick or pretzel stick for easy snacking.

Notes

• Make the cheese balls up to two days ahead to save time on the day of your event.
• Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
• Use a large cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for even coating and presentation.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice vibrant color and freshness; you can adjust the quantity based on preference.
• For a nut-free alternative, substitute pecans with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Keywords: goat cheese balls, cranberry pecan cheese balls, holiday appetizers, easy party snacks, no cook cheese balls