Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

These cranberry pecan goat cheese balls are a perfect make ahead party appetizer for holidays which loaded with creamy goat cheese, cinnamon cranberries and crunchy pecans.

These cheese balls are always one of the first appetizers. It takes 30 minutes to make.

Why You Will Love These Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

There’s something about holidays which just begs for cranberries, pecans and creamy cheese. These cranberry pecan goat cheese balls capture all flavors in one bite, making them perfect for festive gatherings.

Too Easy: These goat cheese balls are gorgeous and easy to make.
Balance of Flavors and Textures: Creamy goat cheese, tart, chewy cranberries and nutty pecans are irresistible combination and give balance of flavors and textures.
Budget Friendly: It can be made with only few ingredients, this recipe is budget friendly.
A Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves this recipe.

Key Ingredients

10 oz of goat cheese
6 oz of cream cheese
2 tsp of cinnamon
3 tbsp of honey
1 ½ cups of diced pecans, divided
1 cup of diced dried cranberries
½ cup of minced fresh parsley

How To Make These Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

Beat the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon and honey together in a large bowl, until light and fluffy. And add ½ cup pecans by folding to combine, set aside.
Line your countertop with parchment paper and toss together the remaining pecans, dried cranberries and parsley in center of parchment paper.
Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out one round of cheese filling and toss to coat in cranberry/pecan mixture. And continue until all mini cheese balls have been rolled in coating.
Later refrigerate cheese balls until ready to serve, you can make these up to two days before and make sure to store it in an airtight container.
For serving, drizzle truffles with honey, if you like. And serve with crackers, warm crostini or with a toothpick.

Chef’s Tips And Variations

Hand Mixer: I find it was a lot easier to whip together the cream cheese and goat cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer. It can be done by hand, it’ll be working out for arm muscles.
No parsley: If you don’t like parsley but still want to get festive red and green look, then I recommend to swapping your chopped pecans for chopped pistachios for great red and green look without having fresh herbs.
Swap The Goat Cheese: If you don’t like goat cheese then you can also use any other soft mild cheese you do like.
Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help to give your mini cheese balls all even in size. It makes easier to scoop out the cheese filling into a ball shape and roll it into the toppings.

Storing, Freezing And Make Ahead

Storing: Store these mini goat cheese balls in an airtight container in refrigerator about 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap them tightly in saran wrap and then store them in a freezer zip lock bag.
Make Ahead: Don’t drizzle with honey until you’re ready to serve, if you need to travel then wrap in an airtight container and refrigerate them until you’re leaving. Later transfer them into an ice chest with a couple of ice packs.