If you love the idea of combining rich, creamy cheese with a burst of tart sweetness and crunchy texture, you are going to adore the Sweet and Savory Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecan Crust Recipe. This delightful appetizer is a perfect balance of creamy goat cheese, chewy dried cranberries, and a beautifully toasted pecan crust that adds a satisfying crunch. Each bite tantalizes the taste buds with a harmony of flavors — the subtle earthiness of thyme, the slight saltiness, and a final drizzle of honey that brings everything together in the most irresistible way. Whether you are planning a festive gathering, a cozy night in, or simply craving a snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this recipe will quickly become your go-to treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of how a few simple and fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and appeal of these goat cheese balls.
- Goat cheese (10 ounces): Choose plain, honey, or herbed goat cheese, ideally softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Dried cranberries (â…“ cup): These provide a chewy tartness that perfectly complements the creaminess of the goat cheese.
- Raw pecan halves (¼ cup): Add a nutty crunch when ground and toasted in the crust layer.
- Panko breadcrumbs (â…“ cup): Offer extra crispness and help the crust stick beautifully to the cheese balls.
- Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Brings a subtle herbal note that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the glue to hold the pecan crust in place before baking.
- Honey (for drizzling): Adds a finishing touch of sweetness that ties together all the savory and fruity elements.
How to Make Sweet and Savory Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecan Crust Recipe
Step 1: Combine Goat Cheese and Cranberries
Start by letting your goat cheese come to room temperature for easy mixing. In a bowl, gently fold the dried cranberries into the goat cheese until they are evenly dispersed. This mixture is the creamy, fruity heart of your goat cheese balls.
Step 2: Roll into Balls
Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into approximately 18 balls, each about 1 ¼ inches in diameter. This size is perfect for bite-sized indulgence, making them easy to enjoy as appetizers or snacks.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Crust
Coarsely grind the raw pecan halves in a food processor or crush them in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Combine the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme in a shallow bowl. This mix will create that crunchy, flavorful crust that makes the goat cheese balls so irresistible.
Step 4: Coat the Goat Cheese Balls
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Dip each goat cheese ball into the beaten egg, then roll it in the pecan mixture. Press gently to ensure the crust sticks well, coating the balls evenly for maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Freeze to Firm Up
Place the coated goat cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes. This step is essential to help hold their shape and allow the crust to crisp beautifully when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Arrange the frozen goat cheese balls on the parchment-lined sheet with a little space between each. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside but still creamy inside.
Step 7: Serve with a Honey Drizzle
Transfer your baked goat cheese balls to a serving plate, allow them to cool slightly, and then lightly drizzle with honey. This sweet finish is the signature touch of the Sweet and Savory Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecan Crust Recipe that makes them unforgettable.
How to Serve Sweet and Savory Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecan Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by sprinkling extra chopped pecans or a few fresh thyme leaves over the warm goat cheese balls. For a festive touch, edible flowers or a light dusting of cracked black pepper also work wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightfully rich goat cheese balls with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or a bed of mixed greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette. A fresh fruit platter with figs, grapes, or apple slices complements the sweet-tart notes spectacularly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning appetizer spread, arrange the goat cheese balls around a wooden board accompanied by bowls of honey, fig jam, olives, and nuts. You can even skewer the balls individually with cocktail picks for easy, mess-free nibbling at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the goat cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the crust intact is easiest when they remain chilled and are reheated gently before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolled and coated goat cheese balls before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the goat cheese balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can create a delicious crust, just be sure to grind them coarsely to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Is it possible to make these goat cheese balls vegan?
While the classic recipe uses goat cheese, you can substitute a vegan cheese alternative and use a flax egg or aquafaba instead of a chicken egg for coating.
How long do these appetizers keep their crunch?
They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if stored properly, the pecan crust can remain crunchy for up to a day when kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I prepare these completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the balls coated in pecans up to a month before your event. Just bake them fresh when needed for the best texture.
What type of goat cheese should I use?
Plain goat cheese provides the most versatile base, but honey or herbed goat cheese varieties add exciting layers of flavor that naturally complement the cranberries and pecans.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am for you to try the Sweet and Savory Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecan Crust Recipe. This dish is a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that brighten up any gathering or quiet evening. It’s surprisingly easy to make but looks and tastes like something from a gourmet kitchen. Give it a go and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Sweet and Savory Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Pecan Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Goat Cheese Balls are a perfect appetizer combining creamy goat cheese with tangy dried cranberries and a crunchy pecan-panko crust. Baked until golden and crisp, they’re drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness, making them a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
Coating
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large egg
For Serving
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine and Roll: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine goat cheese and dried cranberries, mixing thoroughly until evenly distributed. Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into 18 balls, each approximately 1 ¼ inches in diameter.
- Make Pecan Crust: Using a food processor, pulse the raw pecan halves until finely ground, or alternatively crush them finely in a sealed zip-top bag. In a shallow bowl, mix the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme, ensuring an even coating mix.
- Coat and Freeze: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg until well blended. Roll each goat cheese ball first in the beaten egg, then gently roll it in the pecan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick. Place the balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up the coating.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Once frozen, bake the goat cheese balls on the parchment-lined sheet for 7 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a crisp texture on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer immediately to a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly for a minute or two. Drizzle each ball with honey before serving to complement the savory and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Notes
- Using room temperature goat cheese makes mixing and rolling easier.
- Freezing before baking ensures the balls hold their shape during cooking.
- The baking temperature is high to achieve a crisp crust quickly without melting the cheese inside.
- Honey drizzle is optional but adds a lovely contrast to the savory coating.
- These cheese balls can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before freezing and baking.
