5 from 51 votes
Mini Candied Pecan Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls
Mini Candied Pecan Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls combine creamy goat cheese discs coated in a homemade pecan candy mixture mixed with dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and a hint of cinnamon. The pecans are caramelized in butter and brown sugar to create a crunchy coating that contrasts with the smooth cheese inside. These bite-sized rounds work well as snacks or additions to a cheese board.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
147 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese regular works too; honeyed is my fav!, with honey
- ½ cup pecans
- ½ TBSP butter unsalted
- 2 TBSP brown sugar
- pinch salt
- 1/4-1/2 cup dried cranberries
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 TBSP parsley fresh chopped
Instructions
- Remove goat cheese from wrapper and cut into 8-10 discs. Set aside.
- Heat a small pan to medium heat and melt your butter.
- Once butter starts to bubble, add your pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using salted butter? Skip the salt or season to taste.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sugar from burning, and pour over a large sheet of parchment paper in a thin layer. Allow to cool for several minutes until the candy coating hardens.
- Fold the parchment paper in half, trapping the cooled pecans, and crush with hard object of choice (anything from a kitchen mallet to a wine bottle works!) and then roughly chop with a knife until minced.
- Finely chop cranberries and add to the pecans.
- Combine pecans, cranberries, and parsley on a plate or cutting board. Mix well.
- Take a goat cheese disc and press into the pecan coating on each side, then roll into a ball. Coat again as needed by rolling the completed ball in the mixture once more and transferring to a cheese board or appetizer plate. Repeat for each disc until you have a party-perfect plate of goat cheese balls. Dive in with your choice of crackers/fruit/veggies.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This recipe is great for party cheese boards or as standalone snacks paired with crackers, fruit, or vegetables.
- If using salted butter, adjust added salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
- Crush candied pecans carefully to a minced consistency for effective coating.
- Finely chop dried cranberries for even distribution in the coating mixture.
- Try honeyed goat cheese for a sweeter variation or plain for more tang.
Nutrition Information
Calories
147kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
14mg
(5%)
Sodium
105mg
(4%)
Potassium
32mg
(1%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
355IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
0.7mg
(1%)
Calcium
47mg
(5%)
Iron
0.7mg
(4%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 147
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 147kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 105mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 32mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.