Description

Delight your guests with these festive Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls, a creamy and tangy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Soft goat cheese blended with cream cheese and honey is coated with a crunchy, sweet mixture of dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh parsley, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

8 oz goat cheese, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon honey

Coating

½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup pecans, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving (Optional)

Crackers or sliced baguette

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, blend the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up for easier handling and shaping.
Make the Coating: While the cheese mixture chills, combine chopped dried cranberries, finely chopped pecans, and fresh parsley in a shallow dish. This mixture will create a flavorful and colorful coating for the cheese balls.
Form the Cheese Balls: Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, shape the chilled cheese mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Roll each ball gently in the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres evenly to all sides.
Chill Before Serving: Place the coated cheese balls back into the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve. These can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature for enhanced flavor and texture.
Serve: Arrange the cheese balls on a platter with crackers or sliced baguette on the side for easy serving and a crowd-pleasing presentation.

Notes

These cheese balls can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cheese balls with additional honey just before serving.
Serve on mini skewers for a fun and elegant party appetizer presentation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American