Easy appetizers make entertaining so much fun, don’t they? I love recipes that let you spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic cheese ball recipes that are perfect for any gathering, especially as the holidays approach.
These simple cheese balls are always a hit. One is creamy and tangy with goat cheese, and the other is rich and nutty with cream cheese and pecans. Both feature bright cranberries and can be made ahead of time. You’ll find everything you need to make these festive starters right here.
Jump to Recipe:
Quick Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls for Parties
These little goat cheese balls are wonderfully creamy and tangy. They are simple to make and look so pretty on a platter.
Key Ingredients & Assembly Tips
- Soft Goat Cheese: Make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature. This helps it mix smoothly with other ingredients.
- Cranberry Options: You can use dried cranberries for sweetness and texture, or finely chopped fresh cranberries for a brighter, tarter taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Chives or parsley add a lovely fresh note and green color. Roll the balls in them for a pretty finish.
What You Need for Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for coating)
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes prep, 30 minutes chill🍽️ Yields: 1 large cheese ball or 12-15 small balls
How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls
Step 1: Mix the Goat Cheese Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, finely chopped dried cranberries, and honey (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Form the Cheese Balls
You can either form this mixture into one large ball or roll it into several smaller, bite-sized balls. Use your hands to shape them.
Step 3: Coat with Fresh Herbs
Place the finely chopped parsley or chives on a shallow plate. Gently roll each cheese ball in the herbs until it is fully coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Place the coated cheese balls on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up. Serve with your favorite crackers or bread.
📝 Final Note
You can make these cranberry goat cheese balls up to 2 days ahead of time. Keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
This classic cranberry pecan cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings. It has a rich, creamy texture with a nice crunch from the pecans and a zing from cranberries.
Key Ingredients & Flavor Notes
- Softened Cheeses: Both cream cheese and goat cheese should be very soft. This makes mixing easier and creates a smooth texture.
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting your pecans brings out their flavor much more. It makes a big difference in the final taste of your cheese ball.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a little bit of this sauce adds a deeper, more complex taste. It’s a simple ingredient that boosts the flavor profile.
What You Need for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened (or another 4 oz cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped (plus 1/4 cup extra for coating)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes prep, 1 hour chill🍽️ Yields: 1 large cheese ball
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Step 1: Combine Softened Cheeses
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or spatula to beat the softened cream cheese and goat cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, the 1/2 cup of toasted and chopped pecans, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball
Scrape the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help you form the cheese mixture into a neat ball.
Step 4: Coat and Chill
Pour the extra 1/4 cup of chopped pecans onto a clean plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the pecans until it’s fully coated. Wrap it again in fresh plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the ball firm up.
📝 Final Note
You can prepare this cheese ball up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. Let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving so it softens slightly.
