Cranberry and Nut Goat Cheese Ball Recipe

Introduction

The Cranberry Cheese Ball is a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for gatherings. Creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, crunchy nuts, and tangy dried cranberries combine for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 10 oz goat cheese (or feta cheese)
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup diced pecans or walnuts (divided)
• 1/2 cup diced dried cranberries (or dried cherries)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until light and fluffy. Fold in 1/2 cup of the diced pecans.
2. Step 2: Cut a large piece of plastic wrap. Place the cheese mixture in the center, then pull the wrap together to shape it into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
3. Step 3: On a clean surface lined with parchment paper, combine the remaining pecans, dried cranberries, and minced parsley. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the mixture until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate, drizzle with extra honey if desired, and serve with crackers, toasted baguettes, bagel chips, pita chips, or pretzel chips.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, use feta cheese instead of goat cheese.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to vary the crunch and taste.
• Add a splash of orange zest to the cheese mixture for a bright citrus note.
• Use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a sweeter finish.
• Chill the cheese ball longer for a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.

Storage

Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the texture and enhance the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and roll it in the topping just before serving to maintain freshness.

What are the best accompaniments for serving?

Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, bagel chips, pita chips, or pretzel chips for a variety of textures and flavors.

Cranberry and Nut Goat Cheese Ball Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Cheese Ball is a delightful, festive appetizer combining creamy goat and cream cheeses with sweet cinnamon and honey. Coated in a flavorful mix of pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, served with your favorite crackers or chips.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ball Base

• 10 oz goat cheese (or feta cheese)
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup diced pecans

Coating

• 1/2 cup diced pecans
• 1/2 cup diced dried cranberries (or dried cherries)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then gently fold in 1/2 cup of diced pecans to add a nice crunch inside the cheese ball.
2. Shape and chill the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your workspace. Place the cheese mixture in the center and gather the plastic wrap ends to form a compact ball. Secure it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
3. Prepare the coating: On a piece of parchment paper, combine the remaining 1/2 cup pecans, dried cranberries, and minced parsley. Mix them evenly to create the coating mix that will surround the cheese ball.
4. Roll and coat: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the plastic wrap and place it on the parchment paper with the coating mixture. Roll the cheese ball around until it is evenly covered with the pecan, cranberry, and parsley topping.
5. Serve: Transfer the coated cheese ball onto a serving plate. Drizzle with extra honey if desired, and serve with crackers, toasted baguettes, bagel chips, pita chips, or pretzel chips for a delicious appetizer experience.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Allowing the cheese ball to refrigerate overnight enhances the flavor melding.
• You can substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a different but equally tasty flavor.
• The cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
• Serve the cheese ball chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for easier spreading.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese ball recipe, goat cheese appetizer, cream cheese appetizer, festive cheese ball, pecan cheese ball