Description

These Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls combine creamy goat cheese and cream cheese with the warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of honey. Coated in a crunchy mixture of dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh parsley, they make an elegant and festive appetizer perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare ahead of time and served chilled, they pair wonderfully with crackers or crostini.

Ingredients

Scale

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 from total 1 ½ cups, 1 ½ cups total; ½ cup used in cheese mixture, 1 cup here)
½ cup minced fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined for the best texture and flavor.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in ½ cup of the diced pecans into the cheese mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute the nuts without breaking them up too much. Set this mixture aside.
Prepare the Coating: Lay a sheet of parchment paper on your countertop. In the center of the parchment, mix the remaining 1 cup of diced pecans, dried cranberries, and minced fresh parsley to create the coating mixture.
Form the Cheese Balls: Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, portion out rounds of the cheese mixture. Roll each portion gently into a ball with your hands, being careful not to crack or crumble the shape.
Coat the Cheese Balls: Toss each cheese ball in the cranberry, pecan, and parsley mixture laid out on the parchment paper. Press lightly to ensure an even, thorough coating over each cheese ball.
Refrigerate: Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. For convenience, these can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the cheese balls with additional honey if desired for extra sweetness. Serve with crackers, crostini, toothpicks, or pretzel sticks for an elegant and tasty appetizer.

Notes

Can be made up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Use fresh, high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor and texture.
For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and ensure your coating ingredients are nut-free.
Chilling the cheese balls helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to serve.
Honey drizzle adds sweetness and a glossy finish but can be omitted for a less sweet appetizer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American