Adorable Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

Cheese lovers rejoice over these delightful mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls that blend tangy and sweet flavors perfectly.

These bite-sized appetizers pack an incredible punch of festive taste and texture.

Creamy goat cheese mingles with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans in a delectable combination.

Each small sphere delivers a delightful balance of richness and brightness that will impress guests at any gathering.

Elegant yet simple, these cheese balls come together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

The colorful presentation makes them an irresistible starter for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.

Prepare to wow everyone with these irresistible little flavor bombs that disappear faster than you can plate them.

How To Make Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

• Cheese Mixture Preparation

Blend soft goat cheese with cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add a touch of honey for subtle sweetness. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator to help it firm up and make rolling easier.

• Crunchy Coating Creation

Finely chop fresh cranberries and pecans. Mince fragrant herbs like parsley and chives. Mix these ingredients together to create a vibrant, textured coating that will give the cheese balls a delightful crunch.

• Ball Formation

Using clean hands, gently roll small portions of the chilled cheese mixture into petite, uniform spheres. Aim for bite-sized morsels that are easy to pop into your mouth.

• Coating Process

Carefully roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan herb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres completely, creating a beautiful exterior with maximum flavor.

• Serving

Place the cheese bites on a beautiful platter. You can serve immediately or store in the refrigerator. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly and enhance their creamy texture.

Creative Twists For Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cheese balls up to 2 days before your event. Store them covered in the refrigerator and roll in coating just before serving to keep the herb mixture crisp and fresh.
• Texture Pro Tip: Ensure goat cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing. Cold cheese can create lumpy, uneven texture that makes rolling difficult.
• Coating Creativity: Experiment with alternative coatings like toasted pumpkin seeds, finely chopped pistachios, or everything bagel seasoning for unique flavor profiles that complement the tangy goat cheese.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free guests, replace herbs with gluten-free alternatives. Dairy-free friends can substitute cashew cheese or almond-based cream cheese for the base mixture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the coating for a subtle heat that elevates the creamy cheese balls and adds unexpected depth to each bite.

Best Way To Serve Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

• Festive Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange these mini goat cheese balls on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by crisp crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh herbs for an elegant and inviting presentation.
• Charcuterie Board Companion: Pair these delightful cheese balls with different cured meats, olives, and additional nuts to create a stunning and balanced appetizer spread that will impress guests.
• Wine Night Delight: Serve these cranberry pecan goat cheese balls alongside a crisp white wine or light rosé, which will complement the tangy cheese and sweet-nutty coating perfectly.
• Salad Topper Alternative: Crumble these cheese balls over a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette for an unexpected and delicious protein-packed salad enhancement.

Store Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Easily

• Flavor Fusion Storage: Refrigerate cheese balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Quick Prep Technique: Make cheese mixture up to 2 days ahead, storing covered in the refrigerator for convenient last-minute entertaining.
• Smart Chilling Strategy: Keep coated cheese balls cold until serving to maintain firm consistency and prevent cheese from becoming too soft.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire batch 24 hours before event, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, richer taste profiles while maintaining optimal texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 90 kcal

Servings: 11

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Ingredient List

• Goat Cheese: Tangy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture and distinctive flavor, selecting fresh and high-quality cheese ensures the best taste.
• Cream Cheese: Adds silky consistency and helps bind ingredients, opt for full-fat version for maximum creaminess.
• Honey: Subtle sweetener that balances tanginess and helps soften cheese mixture, choose local or raw honey for deeper flavor profile.

• Pecans: Delivers delightful nutty crunch and earthy undertones, toast lightly before chopping to enhance natural oils and intensify flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces bright, tart burst of color and fruity sweetness, select plump and vibrant berries for best texture.

• Parsley: Provides clean, bright herbal note that lifts overall flavor, choose fresh leaves for maximum aromatic impact.
• Chives: Adds mild onion-like sharpness and elegant green flecks, selecting thin, crisp chives ensures delicate herb distribution.

Supplies For Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate honey and cheese measurements.
• Shallow Bowl/Plate: To mix and coat the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture.
• Spatula or Spoon: For mixing cheese ingredients until smooth.
• Cutting Board: To chop cranberries and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: For precise chopping of cranberries, pecans, parsley, and chives.
• Hands: For rolling cheese mixture into small balls and coating them evenly.

Crispy Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Savory mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls bring festive cheer to holiday appetizers. Creamy goat cheese mingles with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful bite you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (225 g) goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Crackers or crostini
• Fresh veggies like celery or carrot sticks

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Instructions

1. Cheese Preparation: Blend goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey until smooth. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 25-30 minutes to firm up and facilitate easy shaping.
2. Coating Creation: Finely chop cranberries and toast pecans to intensify their flavor. Mince parsley and chives to create a vibrant, aromatic coating mixture that will add depth and texture to the cheese balls.
3. Forming and Coating: Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, shape the chilled cheese mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres. Carefully roll each ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Serving and Storage: Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. These elegant appetizers can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, maintaining their sophisticated flavor and appealing texture.

Notes

• Chill for Precision: Refrigerate the cheese mixture exactly 25-30 minutes to achieve perfect moldable texture without becoming too firm or soft.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Gently toast pecans over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and maximize their rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Handle with Delicacy: Use light, gentle pressure when coating cheese balls to ensure even distribution of cranberry and herb mixture without crushing the delicate spheres.
• Advance Preparation: Make these appetizers up to 24 hours ahead, storing in an airtight container to preserve freshness and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg