Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: Perfect for holidays and special occasions with their vibrant colors and elegant presentation.
• Simple and Quick: Requires minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable: Easily adapted with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or herbs.

Ingredients

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

• Goat cheese
• Cream cheese
• Cinnamon
• Honey
• Diced pecans
• Diced dried cranberries
• Minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. Make the Cheese Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until smooth and fluffy. Fold in ½ cup of the diced pecans until well combined.
2. Prepare the Coating
   Lay a sheet of parchment paper on your countertop. Mix the remaining diced pecans, dried cranberries, and minced parsley on the parchment to create the coating mixture.
3. Form the Cheese Balls
   Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the cheese mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, then toss it in the cranberry, pecan, and parsley mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Repeat until all the cheese mixture is used.
4. Refrigerate
   Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Serve
   Before serving, drizzle the cheese balls with honey if desired. Serve with crackers, crostini, or toothpicks for easy snacking.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 mini cheese balls

Variations

• Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
• Dried Fruits: Replace cranberries with raisins, apricots, or cherries.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with fresh chives, dill, or thyme.
• Savory: Mix in crumbled bacon or caramelized onions for a savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Reheating: These are best served chilled, but if needed, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. What can I serve with these cheese balls?

Pair them with crackers, crostini, fresh veggies, or pretzel sticks for a variety of options.

3. Can I freeze the cheese balls?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cheese may change when thawed.

4. What type of goat cheese works best?

Use plain, soft goat cheese for a creamy texture and mild tangy flavor.

5. Can I omit the honey?

Yes, you can skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness.

6. Are these gluten-free?

Yes, the cheese balls themselves are gluten-free. Just pair them with gluten-free crackers or veggies.

7. How long can these sit out at a party?

They can sit out for up to 2 hours. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

8. Can I use flavored goat cheese?

Yes, flavored goat cheese like herb or garlic can add a unique twist to the recipe.

9. What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used, but fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor and color.

10. Can I make larger cheese balls instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Adjust the size to your preference, but note that larger balls may require longer chilling time.

Conclusion

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy cheese with crunchy nuts and sweet cranberries. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual party, these make-ahead bites are sure to impress. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, they’ll quickly become a favorite on your entertaining menu!