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Up close photo of goat cheese ball with crackers on the side.
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Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball

This delicious, festive cheese ball is a family favorite. Make mini goat cheese balls or a large one for sharing!
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6
Author: Bailey

Equipment

  • sharp knife
  • plate

Ingredients

  • 16 oz goat cheese two 8 oz logs of goat chèvre
  • ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cracked pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • ½ tsp fresh rosemary, chopped *see notes if making the mini goat cheese balls!
  • crackers for serving

Instructions

  • Finely dice the dried cranberries and pecans into little bits. Add it to a plate. Add the chopped herbs and salt and pepper. Mix it up well. 
  • Work the room temperature goat cheese into a ball. If you are using cream cheese (also room temperature), add 8 oz the goat cheese and 8 oz cream cheese to a bowl and mix it up well. Read recipe notes if making the minis! 
  • Roll the cheese ball into the chopped pecans mixed. Gently press the ball into the mix, and continue to turn, press and roll until the entire ball of cheese is well coated in the chopped nuts and cranberries. This may take a few times, continue doing it until almost all of the toppings are pressed into the cheese.
  • Place the cheese ball on a plate and serve with veggies or crackers. If making it ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you are ready to serve. 

Notes

  • Cut the goat cheese flavor down a bit and use half cream cheese half goat cheese! You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix to give the balls extra flavor. 
  • Make mini goat cheese balls! Roll up little 1 inch balls of goat cheese instead of one big one. Roll it around in the cranberry pecan mix, you may have some extra pecan topping leftover since they are mini. Serve with a toothpick in them or with a fresh sprig of rosemary as seen on my Instagram. It makes about 12-15 mini.
  • Make It Healthier. Serve with cucumber slices or celery if you want to add some veggies into the mix. 
  • If making it ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you are ready to serve. This keeps up to 5 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 4 Tbsp of goat cheese | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 784IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 2mg