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Festive Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

A cluster of homemade goat cheese balls coated in a vibrant red, crunchy nut and spice mixture.
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Make these gorgeous, tangy, and sweet goat cheese balls for your next holiday gathering. They are simple to prepare ahead of time and always impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz soft goat cheese, room temperature
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (for coating)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped (for coating)
  • Optional: Honey for drizzling

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, finely chopped cranberries, finely chopped pecans, minced thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
  2. Cover the cheese mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. This step makes rolling easier.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine the coarsely chopped pecans and chopped cranberries meant for coating. Mix well.
  4. Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Scoop out portions of the cheese mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into small balls.
  5. Roll each cheese ball in the pecan and cranberry coating until it is completely covered.
  6. Place the finished cheese balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
  7. Chill the coated cheese balls again for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve cold or allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Notes

  • You can make these cheese balls up to two days in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator.
  • If you are looking for alternatives to traditional meal planning, these appetizers are a great make-ahead option for parties.
  • For a different texture, try rolling half the balls in chopped toasted walnuts instead of pecans.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/goat-cheese-balls-cranberry-pecan-recipe/