Description
Festive cranberry goat cheese balls bring holiday cheer with their delightful blend of tangy goat cheese and sweet cranberry coating. Small bites pack big flavor, making these appetizers perfect for gatherings where guests will savor each creamy, zesty morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) goat cheese
- 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
Dried Fruits and Nuts:
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) diced pecans, divided
Seasonings and Sweeteners:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 cup (30 grams) minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whip goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until light and airy, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gently incorporate half of the pecans into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Spread parchment paper on a clean work surface and combine remaining pecans, cranberries, and finely chopped parsley to create a textured coating.
- Using a cookie scoop, form uniform cheese balls from the prepared mixture.
- Carefully roll each cheese ball in the pecan-cranberry blend, ensuring complete coverage and a rustic, festive appearance.
- Transfer coated cheese bites to a storage container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Prior to serving, drizzle with additional honey for a glossy, sweet finish.
- Arrange on a serving platter with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or provide toothpicks for easy individual enjoyment.
- These cheese bites can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Notes
- Toast pecans gently in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the coating.
- Soften cheeses at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture without overmixing.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for a bright, clean flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks instead of traditional crostini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg