My grandmother always insisted that the best holiday appetizers should feel like a warm hug, and this Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball was her signature. The creamy tang of the cheese mingles beautifully with the sweet, chewy cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It was the first thing to disappear from her holiday platters, and for good reason. This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball recipe is more than just an appetizer. It is a centerpiece of comfort, a conversation starter, and the easiest way to bring a touch of elegant, homemade charm to any gathering. Whether you are hosting a large holiday party or simply craving a festive snack, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, proving that the most memorable dishes are often the simplest.
Table of Contents
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball
My grandmother always insisted that the best holiday appetizers should feel like a warm hug, and this Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball was her signature. The creamy tang of the cheese mingles beautifully with the sweet, chewy cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It was the first thing to disappear from her holiday platters, and for good reason.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cheese ball (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces plain goat cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, plus more for coating
- 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of black pepper
For the Coating:
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating. On a small plate or cutting board, combine the finely chopped toasted pecans, the 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, and the minced parsley. Spread the mixture into an even layer and set it aside.
- Combine the Cheeses. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined.
- Add the Flavorings. To the blended cheeses, add the 1/2 cup of finely chopped cranberries, sliced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula to fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Shape the Ball. Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you form the cheese into a ball shape, twisting the top of the wrap to secure it tightly.
- Apply the Coating. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it gently in the prepared pecan and cranberry coating, pressing lightly to help the mixture adhere. Make sure to cover all sides.
- Chill to Set. Once fully coated, rewrap the Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Notes
Smart Substitutions: For a nut-free version, use toasted sunflower seeds instead of pecans. If you are not a fan of goat cheese, you can use all cream cheese for a milder flavor. Swap the green onions for 1 tablespoon of fresh chives for a more subtle onion flavor. A drizzle of honey can be added to the cheese mixture for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients List
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball comes together with a short list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating its signature sweet, savory, and tangy profile.
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces plain goat cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, plus more for coating
- 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of black pepper
For the Coating:
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Smart Substitutions:
- For a nut-free version, use toasted sunflower seeds instead of pecans.
- If you are not a fan of goat cheese, you can use all cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Swap the green onions for 1 tablespoon of fresh chives for a more subtle onion flavor.
- A drizzle of honey can be added to the cheese mixture for extra sweetness.
Timing
This appetizer is wonderfully quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour (minimum)
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Compared to many other Holiday Party Food Ideas For A Crowd, this recipe is about 50% faster to assemble, giving you more time to enjoy your guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly shaped and flavored cheese ball every time.
- Prepare the Coating. On a small plate or cutting board, combine the finely chopped toasted pecans, the 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, and the minced parsley. Spread the mixture into an even layer and set it aside.
- Combine the Cheeses. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. Pro Tip: Ensuring your cheeses are truly at room temperature is the secret to a lump-free, creamy base.
- Add the Flavorings. To the blended cheeses, add the 1/2 cup of finely chopped cranberries, sliced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula to fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Shape the Ball. Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you form the cheese into a ball shape, twisting the top of the wrap to secure it tightly. For a more rustic look, you can also shape it into a log.
- Apply the Coating. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it gently in the prepared pecan and cranberry coating, pressing lightly to help the mixture adhere. Make sure to cover all sides.
- Chill to Set. Once fully coated, rewrap the Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 4g
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball offers a balance of protein and healthy fats from the nuts and cheese. The cranberries provide a touch of antioxidants and fiber, making it a more thoughtful choice among Festive Finger Food Ideas.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any fancy tools for this recipe. A simple set of kitchen basics will do perfectly.
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or sturdy spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- A small plate for the coating
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball has earned its place as a holiday staple for several wonderful reasons.
- Effortless Elegance: It looks impressive and tastes complex, but requires minimal hands-on time and skill.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prepare it days in advance, freeing up your time on the day of your event.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy appeals to almost every palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: It is perfect as part of a larger spread or can even be enjoyed as Appetizers As A Meal with a few extra crackers and veggies.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetable slices.
- Lower Fat: Use Neufchâtel cheese or a light cream cheese alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with equal amounts of high-quality dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan goat cheese alternative.
- Lower Sugar: Look for dried cranberries that are unsweetened or sweetened with apple juice.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is the star of any appetizer spread.
- Classic Pairings: Serve with an assortment of crackers, crispy baguette slices, or plain water crackers that do not compete with its flavor.
- Fresh Contrast: Offer apple slices, pear wedges, or celery sticks for a refreshing, crisp contrast to the rich cheese.
- On a Board: It is a perfect centerpiece for Christmas Cheese Board Ideas Appetizers, surrounded by other cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.
- For a Crowd: Consider making mini Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls for easy individual servings, a fantastic idea for New Years Dishes Ideas Party where finger foods reign supreme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple tips will guarantee your cheese ball turns out perfectly.
- Using Cold Cheese: The biggest mistake is not letting the cream cheese and goat cheese soften fully. Cold cheese will lead to a lumpy mixture that is difficult to blend and shape.
- Not Chopping Finely: If the cranberries, pecans, and onions are too large, the cheese ball will be difficult to form and may fall apart when sliced.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Rushing the refrigeration step will result in a cheese ball that is too soft to hold its shape when you try to serve it.
- Overmixing the Coating Ingredients: Once you add the cranberries and onions to the cheese, fold gently. Overmixing can cause the cheese to become too soft and warm.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is an excellent make-ahead dish.
- Refrigeration: Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the uncoated cheese ball for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it in the coating and serving.
- Leftovers: Any leftovers can be rewrapped and stored in the fridge. The texture remains perfect for several days, making it a great Healthy Snacks For Events or a quick lunch spread.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is the embodiment of what holiday cooking should be. It is simple, heartfelt, and irresistibly delicious. It brings people together around a plate, sparking conversation and creating warm memories with every creamy, crunchy bite. It is one of those essential Holidays Food Ideas that you will return to year after year. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family traditions, just as it is in mine.
If you are looking for more easy and crowd-pleasing appetizers, you will love our spicy Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls or our festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball. For other creamy, dippable options, try our simple Cream Cheese Salsa Dip, our elegant Delicious Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey, or the hearty Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip Recipe.
I would love to hear how your Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball turned out. Let me know in the comments, and do not forget to tag Harmony Meal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations.
FAQs about Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball
How long does a cranberry pecan goat cheese ball last in the fridge?
A cranberry pecan goat cheese ball can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For best flavor and texture, consume within 3 days.
Can I make a cranberry pecan goat cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! This appetizer is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it completely, including shaping and coating, and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before serving. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability.
What do you serve with a cranberry pecan goat cheese ball?
Serve a cranberry pecan goat cheese ball with a variety of dippers. Popular choices include sturdy crackers, pita chips, baguette slices (toasted or fresh), apple slices, pear slices, celery sticks, and pretzel thins.
What kind of crackers go best with a goat cheese ball?
Crackers that provide a good balance of flavor and texture work best. Opt for neutral-flavored crackers like water crackers, butter crackers (e.g., Ritz), or wheat thins. For a gourmet touch, consider artisanal crisps with dried fruit or nuts, or plain baguette slices.
Can you freeze a cranberry pecan goat cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze a goat cheese ball. Prepare the ball without the outer pecan/cranberry coating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll in the coating just before serving.
Are there any substitutions for pecans or cranberries in a goat cheese ball?
Yes, you can easily substitute. For pecans, try walnuts, pistachios, or almonds (finely chopped). For cranberries, dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even pomegranate arils (if serving immediately) make great alternatives.
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