Description
These Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls make a delightful and easy appetizer, combining tangy goat cheese with creamy cream cheese and a flavorful mixture of dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these bite-sized treats are both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 10 oz goat cheese (chevre), softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Coating
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
For Serving (Optional)
- Pretzel sticks or toothpicks
Instructions
- Mix the cheeses and seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the cheese mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the finely chopped dried cranberries, pecans, fresh parsley, and chives. This mixture will add texture and flavor to the cheese balls.
- Form the cheese balls: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the chilled cheese mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls.
- Coat the cheese balls: Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
- Arrange for serving or storage: Place the coated cheese balls on a serving platter or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- Add serving sticks (optional): Just before serving, insert pretzel sticks or toothpicks into each cheese ball for easy grabbing and elegant presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the cheeses are softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Finely chopping the cranberries and pecans helps the coating adhere better to the cheese balls.
- These cheese balls can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
- For a nut-free option, omit pecans and substitute with extra dried fruit or seeds.
- Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables for a complete appetizer spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
