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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.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Servings: 36 mini balls
Calories: 75 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. Coat (optional): If desired, roll the goat cheese balls in chopped pecans, chopped fresh parsley, or a combination of both to coat them.
  5. 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories 75kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 6g (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 36mini balls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 75

% Daily Value*

Calories 75kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 6g 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.