Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 14 reviews

These festive Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Made from creamy goat cheese rolled in a flavorful mixture of chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh thyme, then drizzled with honey for a sweet touch. They can be prepared in advance, served chilled with crackers or toasted baguette slices, making them ideal for entertaining.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 balls

Ingredients

Cheese Ball

  • 10 ounce goat cheese log (283 grams)
  • 3/4 cup pecans (raw, unsalted)
  • 2/3 cup dried cranberries
  • Approx. 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, removed from stems

To Serve

  • Honey, to drizzle
  • Crackers or toasted baguette slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace: Line a small to medium baking sheet or a large plate with parchment paper to place the finished cheese balls on.
  2. Chop ingredients: Using a sharp chef's knife, finely chop the pecans and dried cranberries into small pieces to ensure they stick well to the goat cheese balls.
  3. Remove thyme leaves: Strip fresh thyme leaves from the woody stems by holding the top end and sliding your hand down, collecting about 2 tablespoons of leaves.
  4. Mix coating: Combine the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and thyme leaves on a separate baking sheet, plate, or bowl, tossing them together evenly.
  5. Form cheese balls: Scoop about 2 teaspoons of goat cheese at a time using a spoon or cookie scoop, then roll each portion between your hands to form smooth small balls. The 10-ounce log should yield approximately 15 balls.
  6. Coat the balls: Roll each goat cheese ball in the pecan-cranberry-thyme mixture, gently pressing to adhere the coating. Place each coated ball on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the coated goat cheese balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
  8. Serve: When ready to serve, remove from the fridge, drizzle each ball lightly with honey, and present alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delicious appetizer.

Notes

  • You can prepare these goat cheese balls a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until serving.
  • Ensure pecans are raw and unsalted for best flavor and coating adherence.
  • Adjust the size of the balls as desired; smaller ones make perfect bite-sized appetizers.
  • Fresh thyme adds brightness, but you can substitute with rosemary or basil for variation.
  • For a vegan or dairy-free alternative, consider using plant-based cream cheese.
  • Be gentle while rolling to avoid the cheese balls cracking or breaking.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

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