Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

Alright, these Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls? They’re creamy, tangy, and rolled in sweet dried cranberries with a little crunch—totally perfect for snacking or parties.

I made them for a holiday get-together, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. That mix of soft goat cheese and tart cranberry? So simple, but so fancy.

No cooking needed—just mix, roll, and chill. Let’s make a batch together—you’re gonna love how easy (and tasty) they are!

Keto Sweets Treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, Elegant Ingredients: There’s no long list of items or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything can be found at most grocery stores, yet the finished product feels special.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These cheese balls can be assembled several hours in advance (or even the night before), stored in the fridge, and served chilled or at room temperature.
  • A Balance of Flavors: Tangy goat cheese pairs naturally with the sweetness of cranberries. Toasted pecans add richness and crunch, while thyme contributes a subtle earthiness that elevates the whole bite.
  • Portion Control + Presentation: Instead of one large cheese ball, these are made individually—easier to serve, more hygienic, and beautifully portioned for guests.
  • No Cooking Required: This recipe is completely no-bake, which makes it perfect for beginners or for preparing alongside other dishes during busy holiday cooking.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time (Optional): 15–30 minutes (helps the cheese firm up for better shape)
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 20–30 minutes

Servings: Yields approximately 15 mini cheese balls. This serves 5–7 people as a light appetizer. Double or triple the batch for larger gatherings.

Difficulty Level: Very easy. This is a beginner-friendly recipe with simple prep, minimal tools, and no stovetop or oven required.

Storage Tip: These cheese balls hold up well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. They can be served cold or brought to room temperature about 20 minutes before serving for a creamier texture.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the essential tools you’ll need to prepare this recipe with ease:

  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping the cranberries and pecans finely and evenly.
  • Mixing Bowl: Medium size, used for holding the coating mixture.
  • Spoon or Small Cookie Scoop: Helps portion the goat cheese evenly.
  • Clean Hands or Food-Safe Gloves: You’ll roll each portion into a ball by hand.
  • Parchment Paper or Serving Plate: For placing the rolled cheese balls once they’re coated.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters when dividing the log into equal portions.

Ingredients for Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

These small cheese balls are made with just a handful of ingredients, each chosen for a specific purpose. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Goat Cheese Log (10 oz): This is the main component. Choose a plain goat cheese log with a soft, spreadable texture. It should be cold but pliable enough to form into balls. Room temperature goat cheese will be harder to shape.
  • Pecans (¾ cup): Raw and unsalted is best. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan brings out deeper flavor and aroma, but you can use them raw if short on time. Chop them finely—larger pieces won’t stick as well.
  • Dried Cranberries (⅔ cup): These add chewiness and a touch of sweetness. Use unsweetened if you prefer a less sugary bite. Chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly on the cheese ball coating.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves (about 2 tablespoons): Strip the leaves from the stems and give them a rough chop. Thyme brings a subtle earthiness that complements both the nuts and cheese. Avoid dried thyme—it’s too harsh for this recipe.
  • Honey (for drizzling): Adds a touch of natural sweetness right before serving. Choose a mild honey so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
  • To Serve: Offer with crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices. Neutral-flavored crackers let the cheese ball shine, while slices of sourdough or French bread add a rustic touch.
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Variations for Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can tailor it to your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s already in your pantry. Here are some ideas:

  • Add Cream Cheese: Mix in 2–3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with the goat cheese to mellow the tanginess and make the texture even creamier.
  • Use Walnuts or Almonds: Not a fan of pecans? Chopped walnuts or slivered almonds work beautifully too—just be sure to toast them lightly for best flavor.
  • Cranberry Alternatives: Try dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or golden raisins for a different sweet-tart profile.
  • Herb Swap: Rosemary or parsley can replace thyme for a slightly different herbal finish. Keep the herb fresh, not dried.
  • Spiced Honey Drizzle: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of cinnamon to the honey for a gentle kick or warm spice twist.
  • Savory Twist: Skip the honey drizzle and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper over the tops for a more savory finish.
  • Bigger Format: Instead of mini cheese balls, shape the entire mixture into one large cheese ball and serve with a spreading knife.

How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Coating Mixture

Start by finely chopping the pecans and dried cranberries. You want the pieces small enough to adhere well to the cheese surface. Strip the thyme leaves from their stems and give them a rough chop.

In a medium bowl or on a plate, mix the chopped pecans, cranberries, and thyme together. Toss them lightly with your fingers to combine evenly. Set aside.

Tip: Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often. Let them cool before mixing with cranberries.

2. Portion the Goat Cheese

Unwrap the goat cheese log. Using a spoon, tablespoon measure, or small cookie scoop, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of goat cheese for each ball. You should get about 15 equal portions from a 10-ounce log.

Place all scooped portions on a parchment-lined plate or board to keep them from sticking.

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3. Roll Into Balls

With clean hands (or food-safe gloves), gently roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball. If the cheese sticks to your hands too much, you can lightly dampen your fingers or chill the cheese for 5–10 minutes before shaping.

Note: Work quickly to keep the cheese cool—this helps maintain shape.

4. Coat Each Cheese Ball

One at a time, roll each goat cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-thyme mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick. Rotate the ball until it’s evenly covered on all sides.

Transfer the coated cheese balls to a clean plate or serving platter.

5. Chill (Optional)

Place the cheese balls in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes if you’d like them to firm up slightly before serving. This helps them hold their shape, especially if you’re prepping ahead for a party.

6. Drizzle with Honey Before Serving

Just before serving, drizzle each ball lightly with honey. This adds shine, sweetness, and an elegant finish. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or toasted bread slices.

Presentation Tip: Place each cheese ball in a mini paper baking cup or line them up neatly on a wooden board with a honey dipper for visual appeal.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are as visually appealing as they are flavorful. Here are a few thoughtful serving ideas:

  • As Part of a Cheese Board: Add them to a charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, fresh grapes, fig jam, olives, and crackers.
  • With Crackers or Bread: Arrange the cheese balls in the center of a plate surrounded by seeded crackers, thinly sliced baguette, or crostini.
  • Garnish Options: Add a sprig of fresh thyme to the serving platter or a small bowl of honey with a dipper to let guests customize their drizzle.
  • For Holidays: Place each cheese ball in a mini festive cupcake liner for neat presentation—ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s gatherings.

Storing Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The nuts may soften slightly over time but the flavor will still be pleasant.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare and roll the cheese balls up to 24 hours ahead. Hold off on the honey drizzle until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of goat cheese can change after freezing and thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Use Cold Goat Cheese: It’s easier to work with when slightly chilled. Room temperature goat cheese can get sticky and hard to roll.
  • Chop Finely: The coating sticks better when cranberries and nuts are chopped into small, even pieces.
  • Coating Too Dry? Lightly press the mixture into the cheese balls with your fingers if it’s not adhering well.
  • Mess-Free Rolling: Lightly oil or dampen your hands if the cheese starts to stick while rolling.
  • Holiday Hack: Prepare a double batch and use different coatings for variety—like chopped pistachios or herbs alone—for color contrast on the platter.
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Nutrition

Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown per cheese ball, based on a recipe yield of 15 balls:

NutrientAmount per Ball
Calories110
Total Fat8g
Saturated Fat3.5g
Cholesterol10mg
Sodium85mg
Carbohydrates5g
Sugars4g
Fiber1g
Protein4g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

Recipe by Jordi RocaCourse: Breakfast u0026amp; Brunch
Servings

15

mini cheese balls
Prep time

20

minutes
Calories

110

kcal
Chill Time (optional):

30

miniutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces (283g) goat cheese, log-style

  • ¾ cup (90g) pecans, raw and unsalted, finely chopped

  • ⅔ cup (80g) dried cranberries, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped

  • Honey, for drizzling

  • To serve: crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices

Directions

  • Chop and Combine Coating:
    Finely chop the pecans and cranberries. Strip the thyme leaves from their stems and roughly chop them. In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, cranberries, and thyme.
  • Portion the Goat Cheese:
    Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to divide the goat cheese into 15 small portions (about 2 teaspoons each). Place on parchment paper.
  • Roll into Balls:
    With clean or lightly damp hands, gently roll each portion into a smooth ball.
  • Coat the Cheese Balls:
    Roll each goat cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-thyme mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly
  • Chill (Optional):
    For firmer cheese balls, chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
  • Drizzle with Honey:
    Before serving, place the cheese balls on a platter and lightly drizzle with honey.
  • Serve with Crackers or Bread:
    Offer alongside neutral crackers or toasted baguette slices for spreading.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Wait to drizzle with honey until just before serving.

Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
You can use cream cheese or a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese for a milder flavor and slightly firmer texture.

Are there nut-free options?
Yes. You can skip the pecans and roll the cheese balls in just cranberries and herbs, or substitute sunflower seeds or crushed pretzels for crunch.

Can I make one large cheese ball instead of minis?
Absolutely. Form the entire goat cheese log into a large ball and coat it the same way. Serve with a cheese knife and crackers.

How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls are the kind of appetizer that looks festive, tastes bright and creamy, and comes together without fuss. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual gathering or dressing up your holiday spread, these little bites deliver elegance in a few simple steps. The mix of textures and flavors—tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and herbal thyme—makes them truly memorable. Keep this recipe on hand for easy entertaining any time of year.

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