When you’re juggling a family and planning a holiday party, you want things to be simple. That’s why this recipe is so great. You can whip up these cheese balls in no time, and the best part? You don’t even have to turn on the stove! I remember the first time I made them – I was a bit nervous. Would folks like them as much as I hoped? Well, they sure did. Not only are they scrumptious, but they’re also fun to eat, whether you serve them with crackers or toothpicks.
What I love most is their versatility. You can tweak the ingredients a bit to suit your style or your guests’ preferences. Plus, you can prep them a few days in advance, freeing up time for last-minute party prep. At our house, it’s always a delight when these little flavor bombs make it to the table. So whether you’re planning a cozy get-together or a big bash, I’m sure these Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls will be a crowd-pleaser every time!
How to Make Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
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Ingredients:
- 10 oz goat cheese
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (divided)
- 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gently stir in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans.
- Prepare your countertop with a sheet of parchment paper. In the center, combine the remaining chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley.
- With a large cookie scoop, take portions of the cheese mixture, rolling each into the cranberry-pecan blend until fully coated. Continue until all the cheese balls have been prepared.
- Place the cheese balls in the fridge to chill until serving time. They keep well for up to two days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To serve, drizzle with additional honey if desired, and enjoy with crackers, warm crostini, or simply use toothpicks or pretzel sticks for a fun finger-food experience!
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’d like to mix things up a bit or have certain items on hand, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or almonds. For a different flavor, dried cherries can be used in place of cranberries. If you’re short on parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can add a refreshing twist to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
These cheese balls pair splendidly with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them with an assortment of crackers or sliced baguette. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze and pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling cider.
Seasonal Variations:
This recipe shines across all seasons. In the summer, add a bit of lemon zest to the cheese mixture for brightness. During the fall, a pinch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon beautifully. In winter, incorporate festive flavors by adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
Cooking Tips:
Ensure the cheeses are at room temperature before mixing for a smooth blend. If you find rolling a bit tricky, lightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the mix.
Storing Suggestion:
To keep your cheese balls fresh, store them in an airtight container and place a layer of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They should be kept in the refrigerator and are best consumed within three days of preparation for peak flavor.
FAQ
Can I make these cheese balls in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare these cheese balls up to two days before your event. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Are there vegan alternatives to the ingredients?
Yes, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and vegan goat cheese alternatives available in stores. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious. Ensure the honey is replaced with agave or maple syrup for a vegan option.
What’s the best way to serve these cheese balls?
They are versatile and can be served on a platter with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or crostini. You can also offer toothpicks or pretzel sticks for a convenient finger food presentation at gatherings.
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture and consistency of the cheese once thawed. These cheese balls are best served fresh, and luckily, they are quick to whip up!
How do I know when they’re ready to serve after chilling?
The cheese balls should feel firm to the touch after chilling, ensuring they’re easy to handle and serve. Chilling also helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making them even more delicious!
Can I substitute nuts due to allergies?
Of course! If nut allergies are a concern, try rolling the cheese balls in seeds like sesame or pumpkin, or even in crushed pretzels or breadcrumbs for a nut-free alternative.
Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 10 oz goat cheese
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey plus extra for drizzling
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans divided
- 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a big mixing bowl, blend the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. Then gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans. Set this lovely mixture aside.
- Next, lay out some parchment paper on your countertop. In the center, mix together the remaining pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley.
- Using a large cookie scoop, take a scoop of the cheese filling and roll it around in the cranberry-pecan mix to coat well. Repeat this process until all your mini cheese balls are coated.
- Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. You can prepare these up to two days ahead – just remember to keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge!
- To serve, give them a drizzle of honey if you’d like, and enjoy them with crackers, warm crostini, or simply with a toothpick (or pretzel stick) for fun!
