Description
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are creamy, tangy appetizers coated with crunchy pecans and sweet dried cranberries. These elegant bite-sized cheese balls are easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or snack boards.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or thyme, optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the cheese mixture in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until easier to handle.
- Mix the chopped dried cranberries and pecans together on a plate.
- Scoop small portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands.
- Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry pecan mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving plate.
- Chill until ready to serve and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking while shaping the cheese balls.
- You can prepare these cheese balls up to 1 day in advance for even better flavor.
- Walnuts can be substituted for pecans for a different texture and flavor.
- Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives for an herby variation.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle additional honey over the cheese balls before serving.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
