These Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a festive, flavorful addition to any holiday spread. Each bite-sized ball is a delightful mix of creamy goat cheese, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs. I like to make them ahead of time and serve them with crackers or baguette slices for an elegant yet easy appetizer that always disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect party appetizer: it’s simple, make-ahead friendly, and bursting with festive flavors. The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and nutty pecans, while the herbs add freshness. These little cheese balls look beautiful on a platter and make entertaining stress-free. No oven needed, just mix, chill, and roll!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
10 oz goat cheese (chevre), softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pretzel sticks or toothpicks, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a medium bowl, I mix the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and creamy.
I cover the bowl and chill the cheese mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to help it firm up.
While the cheese chills, I stir together the cranberries, pecans, parsley, and chives in a shallow bowl.
Once the cheese is firm, I use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form it into 1-inch balls.
I roll each ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
The finished balls go onto a serving platter or into an airtight container in the fridge until I’m ready to serve.
Right before serving, I sometimes insert pretzel sticks or toothpicks into each one for easy grabbing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 16 cheese balls.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40–50 minutes
Calories per ball: 110 kcal
Variations
Spicy kick: I like to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Different nuts: Walnuts or almonds work well if I don’t have pecans on hand.
Sweeter version: A drizzle of honey over the finished cheese balls adds a sweet contrast.
Add citrus: A bit of orange zest in the cheese mixture gives a bright, fresh flavor.
Mini version: I’ve made these into even smaller bites for large parties—perfect for toothpick-size nibbles.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If I’m making them ahead, I roll them and refrigerate them without the pretzel sticks to keep them from getting soggy. These are best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.
Related Recipes:
- Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites
- Grilled Honey Goat Cheese Pizza
- Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
FAQs
How far in advance can I make these goat cheese balls?
I usually make them up to 2–3 days in advance. They keep well in the fridge and actually taste even better after the flavors have had time to blend.
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture of the cheese can change. They’re best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
What should I serve with goat cheese balls?
I like to serve them with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pretzel sticks. They also go well alongside a charcuterie board.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! If I need a nut-free option, I simply replace the pecans with crushed pretzels or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Do I have to use goat cheese?
If I’m not a fan of goat cheese, I’ve successfully substituted it with full-fat cream cheese or a blend of cream cheese and feta for a different but still delicious flavor.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are one of my go-to appetizers during the holidays. They’re flavorful, festive, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether I’m hosting a party or bringing something to a potluck, these always impress. With their make-ahead ease and beautiful presentation, they’re a must for any holiday table.
📖 Recipe:
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Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 cheese balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are festive, flavorful bite-sized appetizers made with creamy goat cheese, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs. Perfect for holiday parties, they’re easy to make ahead and serve with crackers or baguette slices.
Ingredients
10 oz goat cheese (chevre), softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Pretzel sticks or toothpicks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl and chill the cheese mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, pecans, parsley, and chives.
- Once the cheese mixture is firm, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form it into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture until evenly coated.
- Place the finished cheese balls on a serving platter or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Before serving, optionally insert pretzel sticks or toothpicks into each cheese ball for easy grabbing.
Notes
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
Drizzle honey over the cheese balls for a touch of sweetness.
Mix in orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Make mini cheese balls for large gatherings—perfect for toothpicks.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
