Description
These delightful Goat Cheese Balls are a perfect appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese mixed with sweet dried cranberries, rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in a crunchy pecan and panko crust, and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of honey, these flavorful bites offer a wonderful balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors, ideal for parties or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large egg
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine and Roll: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the goat cheese and dried cranberries, mixing thoroughly until the cranberries are evenly dispersed throughout the cheese. Using your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 18 balls, each about 1 ¼ inches in diameter.
- Make Pecan Crust: Place raw pecan halves in a food processor and grind them finely, or crush them in a sealed zip-top bag with a rolling pin. In a shallow bowl, combine the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme, mixing well to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Coat and Freeze: In a separate bowl, beat the egg until well mixed. Roll each goat cheese ball first in the beaten egg, ensuring an even coating, then immediately roll it in the pecan and panko mixture, pressing gently so the crust adheres securely. Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to allow them to harden.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Place the frozen goat cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and the crust is crisp.
- Serve: Remove the baked goat cheese balls from the oven and transfer them carefully to a serving plate. Let them cool slightly for a couple of minutes. Drizzle each ball lightly with honey before serving to add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory and nutty flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use goat cheese at room temperature to ensure easy shaping of the balls.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs or flavored goat cheeses (e.g., herbed or honey-infused) to customize the flavor.
- If you do not have a food processor, crushing the pecans manually in a bag works well and provides texture.
- Freezing the balls before baking helps maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Serve these as appetizers at parties or wine tastings for an elegant snack.
- Leftover balls can be refrigerated two days but are best served fresh.
