These mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. With a creamy blend of goat cheese and cream cheese, sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and a crunchy cranberry-pecan coating, these cheese balls offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and beautifully presented, they’re sure to be a hit at any event!
Ingredients:
- 10 oz goat cheese, softened
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for garnish
- 1 ½ cups diced pecans, divided
- 1 cup diced dried cranberries
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and well combined.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Using a spoon, scoop about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have formed all the cheese balls.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of diced pecans, the dried cranberries, and the minced parsley. Set aside the remaining ½ cup of pecans for extra garnish, if desired.
- Roll in Coating: Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-parsley mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the cheese.
- Chill the Cheese Balls: Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Serve: Drizzle a little honey over the cheese balls just before serving for extra sweetness, if desired. These mini cheese balls are best enjoyed with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh apple slices.
Conclusion:
These mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls are a delicious, festive treat that adds a pop of color and flavor to any appetizer spread. With their creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet profile, they’re an irresistible crowd-pleaser and a great option for entertaining. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, these cheese balls will make a wonderful addition to your holiday table.
Festive Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 10 oz goat cheese softened
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey plus extra for garnish
- 1 ½ cups diced pecans divided
- 1 cup diced dried cranberries
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and well combined.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Using a spoon, scoop about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have formed all the cheese balls.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of diced pecans, the dried cranberries, and the minced parsley. Set aside the remaining ½ cup of pecans for extra garnish, if desired.
- Roll in Coating: Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-parsley mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the cheese.
- Chill the Cheese Balls: Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Serve: Drizzle a little honey over the cheese balls just before serving for extra sweetness, if desired. These mini cheese balls are best enjoyed with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh apple slices.