Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball
A festive and elegant appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese blended with aromatic herbs, wrapped in sweet dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this make-ahead cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers or sliced baguette.
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup pecans toasted and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine softened goat cheese and cream cheese. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or electric mixer until smooth and well-blended.
- Add flavor enhancers: Stir in the honey, thyme leaves, orange zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated throughout the cheese mixture.
- Shape the ball: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Using the plastic wrap to help, form the mixture into a ball shape. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Toast the pecans: While the cheese is chilling, place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the coating: On a large plate or shallow bowl, mix together the chopped cranberries, cooled toasted pecans, and parsley if using.
- Coat the cheese ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Gently roll it in the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres to all sides.
- Chill again: Wrap the coated cheese ball loosely in a fresh piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 more hour to set the coating.
- Serve: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Arrange on a serving platter surrounded by crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Notes
- For best flavor, make this cheese ball 1-2 days before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you can’t find goat cheese, you can substitute with all cream cheese, though you’ll lose some of the signature tangy flavor.
- Make sure both cheeses are properly softened to room temperature for the smoothest texture and easiest mixing.
- The cheese ball will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but the coating may soften slightly over time.
- For a variation, try adding 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to the cheese mixture.