MINI CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE BALLS
Creamy goat cheese is combined with tangy dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, then rolled into bite-sized balls and often coated in additional chopped nuts or herbs for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese softened to room temperature
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional coating: ¼ cup chopped pecans ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, or a combination
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey (or maple syrup), and thyme leaves (or dried thyme). Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the goat cheese mixture to firm up. This makes the mixture easier to roll into balls.
- Shape into balls: Once chilled, use a small spoon or your hands to roll the goat cheese mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Coat (optional): If desired, roll the goat cheese balls in chopped pecans, chopped fresh parsley, or a combination of both to coat them.
- Serve: Serve the Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls chilled or at room temperature with crackers, baguette slices, or fruit.
Notes
- Goat Cheese: Use a good quality goat cheese for the best flavor. Log or crumbled goat cheese both work well.
- Dried Cranberries: You can use sweetened or unsweetened dried cranberries.
- Pecans: You can use pecan halves or pieces. Toasting the pecans before chopping them will enhance their flavor.
- Chill Time: Chilling the goat cheese mixture is important for making it easier to roll into balls.
- Coatings: Get creative with your coatings! Other options include chopped walnuts, pistachios, rosemary, or a sprinkle of black pepper.