Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball – A Festive Holiday Appetizer

This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is a show-stopping holiday appetizer that combines tangy goat cheese, creamy cream cheese, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans into one irresistible bite. Rolled in a colorful coating of herbs, nuts, and fruit, this cheese ball is as beautiful as it is flavorful — perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s parties.

With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and keeps well in the fridge. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit for a stunning centerpiece on your appetizer spread.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe blends sweet, tangy, savory, and crunchy elements into a perfectly balanced cheese ball.

For the Cheese Mixture:

• Goat Cheese: The star of the show — creamy, tangy, and soft. Use plain or honey goat cheese depending on your flavor preference.

• Cream Cheese: Softens the texture and mellows the sharpness of the goat cheese.

• Dried Cranberries: Add chewy sweetness and a festive pop of color.

• Chopped Pecans: Toasted for a deeper, nutty flavor and added texture.

• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Adds a savory herbaceous note. Finely minced.

• Honey (Optional): A small drizzle rounds out the tang with a touch of natural sweetness.

• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning balance.

For the Coating:

• More Chopped Pecans

• More Dried Cranberries, finely chopped

• Chopped Parsley or Thyme Leaves: For freshness and color

Suggested Accompaniments:

• Crackers: Butter crackers, wheat crackers, or flatbreads

• Apple or Pear Slices: A sweet, crisp pairing with goat cheese

• Pretzel Chips or Crostini: For crunch and structure

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup chopped pecans for 4–5 minutes until fragrant.

• Stir frequently and remove from heat once golden. Let cool.

2. Mix the Cheese Base

• In a medium bowl, combine:

  • 8 oz goat cheese (softened)

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • ½ cup toasted chopped pecans

  • ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (minced)

  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• Mix with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and well combined.

3. Form the Ball

• Scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap.

• Gather into a ball shape, twisting the plastic to tighten and round it out.

• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

4. Roll in Topping

• On a plate, combine:

  • ½ cup toasted chopped pecans

  • ¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Roll the chilled cheese ball in the mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Serve

• Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

• Place on a platter with crackers, fruit slices, or crostini.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips:

• Chill the cheese ball before coating for easier handling and a firmer shape.

• Toast nuts for maximum flavor — raw pecans are milder and can be soft.

• Use gloves or plastic wrap when shaping and rolling to prevent sticking.

Variations:

• Add a kick: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper or finely diced jalapeño.

• Cranberry-orange: Add orange zest to the cheese mix for a bright citrus note.

• Savory twist: Swap cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes and use walnuts instead of pecans.

Substitutions:

• No goat cheese? Use all cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese and feta.

• Nut-free? Replace pecans with crushed pretzels or roasted pumpkin seeds.

• Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan chèvre alternatives.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This festive cheese ball is perfect for:

• Holiday appetizers: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve.

• Brunch grazing boards: Pair with smoked meats, eggs, and fruit.

• Charcuterie spreads: Serve alongside cured meats, olives, and other cheeses.

• Potlucks or parties: Easy to transport and always a crowd favorite.

Pair it with:

• Sparkling wine or champagne

• Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

• Apple cider or cranberry spritzers

Nutritional & Health Notes

While rich and creamy, this appetizer offers:

• Healthy fats from pecans

• Protein from cheese

• Natural sweetness from cranberries

To lighten it:

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese

• Skip the honey or use a smaller portion

• Serve with cucumber slices or apple wedges instead of crackers

Estimated per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: ~6g

• Carbs: ~7g

• Fat: ~18g

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can make it up to 2–3 days in advance. Roll in the coating just before serving for best texture and freshness.

---

Q2: What’s the best way to shape the cheese ball?

A2: Use plastic wrap and your hands to mold it into a round shape. Refrigerating it first helps firm it up.

---

Q3: Can I freeze a goat cheese ball?

A3: It’s not recommended. The texture of cheese (especially goat cheese) can become crumbly or grainy when thawed.

---

Q4: How long can it sit out at room temperature?

A4: About 2 hours max. After that, return to the fridge to keep it safe and fresh.

---

Q5: What if I want to make mini cheese balls?

A5: Scoop the cheese into 1-inch portions, roll, chill, then coat. Serve on toothpicks for a bite-sized appetizer.

---

Q6: Can I use flavored goat cheese?

A6: Yes! Honey, garlic-herb, or cranberry goat cheeses add extra flavor and can reduce the number of mix-ins you need.

---

Q7: What if my cheese ball is too soft?

A7: Chill it longer — at least 1–2 hours. If it’s still too soft, add a tablespoon or two of extra cream cheese to firm it up.

Print