Goat Cheese Balls
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls are festive mini cheese truffles loaded with creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans!
Servings: 14 cheese balls
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Standup mixer or hand mixer
- mixing bowls
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Flat non-stick surface like a cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces soft goat cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup honey, divided
- 1⅓ cup chopped pecans, divided
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Build a foundation. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, Salt, and 2 tablespoons of honey until light and fluffy. Fold in 1/3 cup chopped pecans until well combined.
- Make the coating. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the parsley, cranberries, and the remaining pecans.
- Make the truffles. Using clean hands, roll the goat cheese mixture into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cranberry-parsley mixture to coat. If the cheese ball is a bit too soft to handle you can pop it into your fridge for about 15 minutes to harden a bit.
- Chill. Arrange the truffles on a flat non-stick surface, like a cutting board, and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Should I eat goat cheese truffle warm or cold?
These savory, cheesy truffles are best enjoyed cold. If they get too warm, the cheese will melt and they will fall apart.
Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
You can! Arrange the fully assembled truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm up. Once firm, transfer the goat cheese truffles to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the frozen truffles to thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I make the balls larger?
You can totally make larger truffles. I don’t recommend anything past 2 inches (double), though. They will have trouble holding their shape if you try to make them any bigger.