Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

8 oz goat cheese (softened to room temperature)

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory flavor)

1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra depth)

1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. The honey adds a nice touch of sweetness that complements the tang of the goat cheese, but you can skip it for a more savory option.

Form the Cheese Balls:

Using your hands or a small spoon, scoop out about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized portions of the goat cheese mixture. Roll each portion into a small ball.

Coat with Cranberries and Pecans:

Place the chopped cranberries and chopped pecans into separate shallow bowls or on a large plate.

Roll each goat cheese ball in the cranberries until fully coated, then roll it in the chopped pecans. Press gently to ensure the coatings stick. For a more festive look, you can also sprinkle a little chopped parsley over the balls for a burst of color.

Chill:

Place the coated mini goat cheese balls onto a serving platter or a tray lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the balls to firm up slightly.

Serve:

Once chilled, arrange the mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls on a platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies. These little bites are perfect for dipping or spreading on your favorite bread or crackers.

Tips:

Make Ahead: These cheese balls can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. They actually get even better as the flavors meld!

Variation: You can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. You can also swap the dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins for a different twist.

Sweet and Savory: If you want to add a savory twist, consider rolling the balls in a mixture of fresh rosemary and cracked black pepper instead of the sweet cranberry-pecan coating.

These Mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that combines creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and tart cranberries for a delightful bite. Perfect for any party, they’ll impress your guests and are always a crowd-pleaser!