Description
Tantalizing mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls bring festive elegance to holiday appetizers. Creamy goat cheese rolled with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans creates an irresistible bite you’ll want to savor at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) goat cheese, softened
- 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
Dried Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (30 grams) pecans, finely chopped
Herbs and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers or crostini
- Fresh veggies like celery or carrot sticks
Instructions
- Craft a luxurious cheese base by blending goat cheese with cream cheese, incorporating a touch of honey for subtle sweetness. Refrigerate the mixture for 25-30 minutes to achieve an ideal consistency for shaping.
- Prepare a vibrant coating by finely chopping fresh cranberries and toasting pecans to enhance their nutty flavor. Mince parsley and chives to add a fragrant herbal dimension to the coating mixture.
- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, delicately form the chilled cheese mixture into uniform spherical shapes. Aim for approximately 12 bite-sized morsels, ensuring consistent sizing for elegant presentation.
- Gently roll each cheese sphere through the cranberry-pecan-herb blend, applying light pressure to ensure the coating adheres completely and creates a textured exterior.
- Transfer the finished cheese spheres onto a pristine serving platter, allowing them to rest at ambient temperature for 10-15 minutes before presentation. These delectable appetizers can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, maintaining their sophisticated flavor profile and appealing texture.
Notes
- Chill the cheese mixture thoroughly to ensure easy rolling and prevent sticking to your hands.
- Use cold cream cheese and goat cheese straight from the refrigerator for the best texture and shape.
- Finely chop cranberries and pecans to create a more uniform and elegant coating that adheres well to the cheese balls.
- Experiment with alternative coatings like toasted pine nuts, za’atar, or dried herb blends for unique flavor variations.
- For a lighter option, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat versions or Greek yogurt to cut down on calories.
- Make these ahead of time and store in an airtight container for quick party appetizers or spontaneous snacking.
- Ensure all herbs are freshly chopped for maximum flavor and vibrant color in the coating mixture.
- Consider using raw honey or maple syrup for a more complex sweetness in the cheese base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg