Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls
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.
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a shallow dish, mix chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, and herbs.
- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture and roll into a ball.
- Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
- Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 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
