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.

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball: Your New Favorite Holiday Appetizer 2025

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball

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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.

Author: Harmony
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

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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

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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

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/cranberry-pecan-goat-cheese-ball/