Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini cheese balls are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer. They’re quick to prepare, look stunning on any platter, and offer a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in every bite. With simple ingredients and endless versatility, they’re a fuss-free crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Goat cheese (softened)
• Cream cheese (optional, for a milder flavor and smoother texture)
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dried cranberries (finely chopped)
• Toasted pecans (finely chopped)
• Fresh parsley or chives (finely chopped)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix softened goat cheese, cream cheese (if using), and honey or maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs.
3. Scoop small portions of the cheese mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls.
4. Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Place on a serving plate or tray. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
6. Optional: insert mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks for easy serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 mini cheese balls.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy-Sweet: Add a dash of cayenne or finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cranberry Orange: Mix orange zest into the cheese mixture for a bright citrus note.
• Savory Twist: Skip the honey and mix in garlic powder, shallots, or rosemary for a more savory bite.
• Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or crushed pretzels.
• Herb-Forward: Use only herbs like dill, parsley, and chives for a fresh green coating.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture of the cheese may change.
Serve cold or let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to 2–3 days in advance. Add pretzel sticks just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Can I use only goat cheese?

Absolutely. Using only goat cheese gives a tangier flavor, while cream cheese adds a smoother, milder taste.

What’s the best way to chop cranberries?

Use a sharp knife or pulse in a food processor a few times, being careful not to turn them into a paste.

Can I use different nuts?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work well as alternatives to pecans.

How do I toast pecans?

Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I make this into one large cheese ball?

Yes, simply form the mixture into a single large ball and roll in the coating. Serve with a spreader and crackers.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free pretzel sticks or skip them entirely.

Can I serve these with something other than pretzels?

Definitely. Toothpicks, mini skewers, or simply arranged on a platter with crackers work well.

How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?

Slightly dampen your hands with water before rolling the cheese mixture.

Can I use flavored goat cheese?

Yes, flavored varieties like cranberry, garlic-herb, or honey goat cheese can add an extra layer of taste.

Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls are a festive, flavorful appetizer that brings elegance and ease to any celebration. With creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs, they’re the perfect holiday bite-sized treat. Make them ahead, customize them to your taste, and watch them disappear from the party table in no time.

Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls

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Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls are festive bite-sized appetizers made with creamy goat cheese and rolled in a colorful mix of dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and herbs. They’re perfect for parties, charcuterie boards, and holiday entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 20–24 mini cheese balls
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional for milder flavor)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: Mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks for serving

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese (if using), and honey or maple syrup. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, and herbs.
3. Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture and roll into a ball.
4. Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
5. Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Insert mini pretzel sticks or toothpicks just before serving, if desired. Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.

Notes

• Use slightly damp hands to prevent the cheese from sticking when rolling.
• These can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
• Swap pecans with other nuts like pistachios or walnuts for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg