Mini Candied Pecan Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls
Festive bite-sized goat cheese balls coated in candied pecans, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and parsley for a creamy, crunchy, and sweet-savory appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12–15 mini cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz honey goat cheese (or plain)
½ cup pecans
½ Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of salt
¼–½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt butter. Add pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until sugar melts and coats pecans. Transfer to parchment to cool, then chop finely.
- Mix candied pecans with chopped cranberries, cinnamon (if using), and parsley.
- Roll goat cheese into 12–15 small bite-sized balls.
- Coat each cheese ball in the pecan-cranberry mixture.
- Refrigerate at least 20 minutes to firm before serving.
Notes
Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
Drizzle honey over finished cheese balls for extra sweetness.
Add orange zest for a festive holiday touch.
Make into one large cheese ball instead of minis if preferred.
Serve with crackers, apple slices, or pears.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
