Description
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer combining creamy goat cheese with the sweet crunch of dried cranberries and pecans, seasoned with fresh herbs. It’s easy to prepare, no cooking required, and perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball
- 16 oz goat cheese (two 8 oz logs), room temperature
- â…“ cup pecans, finely chopped
- â…“ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
For Serving
- Crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry and pecan mix: Finely chop the dried cranberries and pecans. In a medium bowl, combine them with the chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and cracked pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and seasonings.
- Form the cheese ball: Using room temperature goat cheese, shape it into a smooth ball using your hands. Optionally, you can mix the goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder texture before shaping.
- Coat the cheese ball: Roll the formed cheese ball in the cranberry and pecan mixture until it is completely and evenly coated, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Chill or serve: You can serve the cheese ball immediately with crackers, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to serve, which allows flavors to meld and the ball to firm up slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese for goat cheese if a milder flavor is preferred or to make the cheese ball creamier.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted or omitted based on availability or preference; dried herbs can be used though fresh is recommended.
- This cheese ball can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator wrapped tightly to enhance flavor.
- Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable slices for a well-rounded appetizer.
