Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Mini goat cheese balls rolled in pecans and sweet cranberries make a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful snack. Quick to assemble, naturally gluten-free, and packed with protein, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or easy entertaining.
Equipment
- 1 food processor
- 1 small cookie scoop or spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- ½ cup soft goat cheese
- ¾ cup grated hard cheese Pecorino, Manchego, Parmesan, or Asiago
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- Pretzel sticks gluten-free if needed
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients in one place to make the process smooth and stress-free. Measure out the goat cheese, hard cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans. If you haven’t chopped the pecans yet, do this now on a cutting board, making sure they are finely chopped for even coating. Also, have your pretzel sticks ready nearby.
- Blend the Base Mixture: Place the soft goat cheese, grated hard cheese, dried cranberries, and ground cinnamon into a food processor. Pulse the mixture in short bursts until all ingredients combine into a smooth, creamy mixture. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be uniform and slightly sticky but firm enough to hold shape.
- Portion the Cheese Balls: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the cheese mixture. Scoop out a small amount—about 1 tablespoon per ball is ideal. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Take your time to create evenly sized balls so they cook and present consistently, giving a professional look to your snack.
- Coat with Pecans: Pour the finely chopped pecans into a shallow bowl or plate. Roll each cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently so the nuts adhere evenly to the surface. Ensure every ball is fully coated for maximum crunch and visual appeal. This layer not only adds texture but also provides healthy fats, enhancing the flavor and nutritional value of the snack.
- Insert Pretzel Sticks (Optional): If you plan to serve the cheese balls on pretzel sticks, carefully insert a pretzel stick into each ball at this stage. Avoid inserting sticks too early if you plan to chill the balls first, as the pretzel may become soggy. The sticks make the cheese balls easy to pick up and perfect for parties or casual snacking.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: You can serve the cheese balls immediately, especially if you’ve added pretzel sticks, or place them in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up slightly. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the balls easier to handle. Serve on a decorative platter for a visually appealing appetizer.
- Enjoy and Store Leftovers: These mini goat cheese balls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pretzel sticks separate if you want to preserve their crunch. When ready to serve, simply reinsert sticks or serve as bite-sized finger food.
Notes
- Use high-quality goat cheese for a creamy, tangy flavor that blends well with hard cheese and cranberries.
- Finely chop pecans to ensure they stick evenly and provide a balanced crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter bite, substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or cherries.
- Avoid inserting pretzel sticks too early if chilling the balls; this keeps the pretzels crisp.
- These cheese balls can be made a few hours ahead, making them perfect for party prep.
