Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecans

These Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecans are a simple, yet elegant appetizer that combines creamy goat cheese with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. Drizzled with honey, these little bites are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a savory snack to enjoy with crackers or sliced baguette.

Ingredients

• 8 oz goat cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup honey
• Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the honey over the goat cheese balls.
4. Chill the goat cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Serve the goat cheese balls with crackers or sliced baguette.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

• Add herbs: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herby twist.
• Nuts: Swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet and savory: Add a touch of balsamic glaze or fig jam for extra sweetness and complexity.
• Vegan option: Use a plant-based goat cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover goat cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: These goat cheese balls are best served chilled and don’t require reheating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these goat cheese balls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the goat cheese balls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze these goat cheese balls?
   Yes, you can freeze them. Place the balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before drizzling with honey.
3. What type of goat cheese should I use?
   Use a soft, spreadable goat cheese for best results. Fresh goat cheese works perfectly.
4. Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
   Yes, dried cherries, raisins, or apricots can be used in place of cranberries.
5. How do I get the balls to stick together?
   If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes before rolling into balls to help firm it up.
6. Can I add other fruits to the goat cheese balls?
   Yes, diced dried figs, apricots, or even fresh fruits like grapes could work as tasty additions.
7. What’s a good substitute for pecans?
   Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can replace pecans in this recipe.
8. What can I serve these goat cheese balls with?
   These go well with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruit, or even vegetables like carrot sticks and celery.
9. Is the honey necessary?
   The honey adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the goat cheese, but it’s optional if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
10. Can I make these without nuts?
    Yes, if you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, you can omit the nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.

Conclusion

Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecans are a delightful appetizer that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of honey makes for a perfect bite-sized treat. Serve these at your next party or gathering for a simple yet impressive dish everyone will enjoy!

Print