Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Bake and Easy: Comes together quickly with simple steps.
Festive Appearance: Perfect colors and flavors for the holiday season.
Delicious Flavor Combo: Creamy, tangy, sweet, and nutty all in one bite.
Crowd Favorite: Always one of the first appetizers to disappear.
Budget-Friendly: Uses just a few affordable ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Goat cheese (plain, creamy)
Cream cheese
Honey
Ground cinnamon
Pecans
Dried cranberries
Fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, beat together goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until smooth.
Fold in half a cup of chopped pecans.
Scoop and roll the cheese mixture into small balls.
In a separate bowl, toss together the remaining chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley.
Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture until fully coated.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, optionally drizzle with additional honey.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 mini cheese balls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Different Nuts: Use walnuts or pistachios instead of pecans.
Fruit Alternatives: Swap cranberries with dried cherries or apricots.
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a little heat.
Herb Choices: Replace parsley with chives or rosemary for a flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the cheese balls may change when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What’s the best goat cheese to use?

Use traditional creamy goat cheese without added flavors for best results.

Can I skip the cream cheese?

You can, but the cream cheese helps to create a silkier texture.

Are there alternatives to pecans?

Yes, try walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, skip the nuts and roll in just cranberries and parsley or finely crushed pretzels.

How do I make these look extra festive?

Use both red cranberries and green parsley for a bright holiday look.

Can I use flavored goat cheese?

Plain goat cheese is recommended to control the flavor balance, but flavored versions can add a fun twist.

How do I prevent the cheese balls from sticking?

Slightly chill the cheese mixture before rolling into balls if it feels too sticky.

Should I drizzle with honey before serving?

Yes, a little honey drizzle adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Can I serve these with crackers?

Absolutely, they pair perfectly with a variety of crackers or crostini.

Conclusion

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a show-stopping yet effortless appetizer that adds a festive touch to any gathering. With their delicious combination of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors, these bite-sized treats will quickly become a holiday favorite for you and your guests. Make them ahead, serve them chilled, and watch them disappear!

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a festive, no-bake appetizer combining creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of honey and cinnamon. Quick to prepare, beautifully colorful, and full of delicious flavors, they’re perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or any celebration!

Ingredients

Goat cheese (plain, creamy)

Cream cheese

Honey

Ground cinnamon

Pecans

Dried cranberries

Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

In a bowl, beat goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon together until smooth.
Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans.
Scoop and roll the cheese mixture into small balls.
In a separate bowl, combine remaining chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley.
Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture until fully coated.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Optionally, drizzle with additional honey just before serving.