Meet your new favorite holiday showstopper: the Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball. This appetizer is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy, all rolled into one festive package. It’s incredibly easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is guaranteed to disappear from the serving platter in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday bash or need a simple yet elegant treat for a small get-together, this recipe is a certified crowd-pleaser.
We combine tangy goat cheese and rich cream cheese to create an ultra-creamy base. Then, we mix in sweet dried cranberries, savory green onions, and a hint of garlic for a burst of flavor in every bite. The entire ball is then rolled in a crunchy coating of toasted pecans and fresh parsley, creating a beautiful and delicious appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s get rolling!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball
This isn’t just another cheese ball; it’s a flavor-packed centerpiece that’s as simple as it is elegant. Here’s why this recipe will become a permanent fixture in your holiday rotation.
Effortlessly Elegant: It looks impressive and sophisticated, but it’s surprisingly simple to assemble. You get maximum “wow” factor with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead Magic: Hosting can be hectic. This cheese ball can be made up to three days in advance, freeing you up to focus on other dishes (like these amazing 30-Minute Dinner Rolls). Just roll it in the pecan coating right before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creamy tang of goat cheese, the sweetness of cranberries, the savory bite of green onions, and the nutty crunch of pecans create a truly irresistible combination.
A Total Crowd-Pleaser: Set this out at a party and watch it vanish. It’s a classic appetizer for a reason, and this version is packed with festive flavors everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a delicious Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball requires just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive appetizer.
The secret to a perfect cheese ball is a smooth, well-combined base.
For the Cheese Ball:
Goat Cheese: Use a log of plain, fresh goat cheese (chèvre). It provides the signature tangy flavor. Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese is essential for the best texture and flavor. It makes the cheese ball perfectly creamy and helps balance the goat cheese.
Dried Cranberries: These add a wonderful chewy texture and a pop of sweetness that complements the tangy cheese.
Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a mild, savory flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
For the Coating:
Pecans: Toasted pecans are non-negotiable! Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, clean flavor to the coating.
How to Make a Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball Step-by-Step
Ready to create the ultimate holiday appetizer? Follow these simple steps to make a perfect cheese ball every time.
Step 1: Combine the Cheeses
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. You want a completely uniform, creamy base with no lumps.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavor
Add the dried cranberries, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the cheese base.
Simple ingredients combine for an incredibly flavorful appetizer.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Ball
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scrape the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Pull the corners of the plastic wrap up and twist them together, forming the mixture into a tight ball. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This step is crucial for the cheese ball to hold its shape.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating and Serve
Just before serving, prepare your coating. Finely chop your toasted pecans and fresh parsley. Spread the mixture evenly on a plate or a shallow dish. Unwrap your chilled cheese ball and roll it gently in the pecan-parsley mixture until it is completely coated on all sides. Transfer it to a serving platter and serve immediately with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables.
Tips for the Best Cheese Ball
Want to ensure your Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success.
Soften Your Cheeses: This is the most important tip! Let the goat cheese and cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before you start. Softened cheese is much easier to mix, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
Toast Your Nuts: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference in flavor and crunch. If you’re looking for another nutty treat, try making Slow Cooker Candied Pecans.
Chill Thoroughly: The 2-hour chill time is essential. It allows the flavors to meld together and, more importantly, helps the cheese ball firm up so it holds its shape and is easy to coat.
Coat Just Before Serving: For the best texture, wait to roll the cheese ball in the pecan and parsley mixture until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the nuts crunchy and the parsley fresh and vibrant.
Variations and Substitutions
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
Different Nuts: Not a fan of pecans? Try using toasted walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for the coating.
Add Some Bacon: For a savory twist, add 2-3 slices of crispy, crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture.
Sweeten the Deal: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the cheese base for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Herb Variations: Swap the parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary in the coating for a different aromatic flavor. A similar flavor profile is delicious in these Cranberry Brie Bites.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
How to Serve
This cheese ball is the perfect centerpiece for any appetizer platter. Serve it with a variety of dippers to suit all tastes:
Sturdy crackers (like water crackers or wheat crackers)
Pretzel crisps or pretzels
Toasted baguette slices
Apple or pear slices
Celery and carrot sticks
How to Store
Store the cheese ball, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. If it’s already coated, it will last for up to 3 days, though the nuts may soften slightly. If uncoated, the cheese ball base can be stored for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncoated cheese ball for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before coating and serving.
Yes! This is a great make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the cheese ball (without the coating) and keep it tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Roll it in the pecan and parsley coating just before serving for the best texture.
Absolutely. Tightly wrap the uncoated cheese ball in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before coating and serving.
Yes, this recipe is very customizable. You can substitute the pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds. While goat cheese is key to the flavor, you could use all cream cheese for a milder taste if preferred.
The easiest way is to use plastic wrap. After mixing, scrape the cheese mixture into the center of a large piece of plastic wrap, then gather the edges and twist to form a tight, uniform ball. Chilling it thoroughly will help it hold its shape.
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is more than just a recipe; it’s a festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy appetizer that will bring everyone together. Give it a try for your next gathering, and don’t forget to share your creations! If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest. Your support helps us create more delicious content!
This festive cheese ball is the ultimate party-pleaser!
FL Recipes
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball is the perfect holiday appetizer! It's an easy-to-make, festive recipe combining tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened goat cheese and cream cheese with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and fully combined.
Add the chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Scrape the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Form it into a ball and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
On a plate, combine the chopped toasted pecans and fresh parsley. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalProtein: 5gFat: 16gFiber: 2g
Notes
Soften Cheeses: Ensure your goat cheese and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free texture. Make-Ahead: The cheese ball can be formed and refrigerated (uncoated) for up to 3 days before serving. Freezing: Freeze the uncoated cheese ball for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then coat and serve.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
