I love easy party food, especially when cheese is involved. Today, I’m sharing two great ideas that feature cheese and cranberries, perfect for your next gathering. These recipes are simple to put together and wonderful for sharing with friends or family.
You’ll find options for a tangy goat cheese treat and a classic cream cheese spread. Both are sure to be a hit and require minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls: Easy Appetizer Recipe
- 2. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: Classic Holiday Starter
Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls: Easy Appetizer Recipe
These little cheese balls are creamy, tangy, and have a lovely sweetness from cranberries. They are quick to make and look very nice on a platter.
I love how easily these come together for a simple, yet elegant starter for any event.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Goat Cheese Balls
- Soft Goat Cheese: Make sure your goat cheese is soft enough to mix easily. Let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start.
- Dried Cranberries: Chop the dried cranberries roughly. This helps distribute their sweetness well throughout the cheese and prevents big clumps.
What You Need for Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 oz soft goat cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, for coating
- 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling (optional)
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12-15 small balls
How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls
Step 1: Combine Flavors
In a medium bowl, gently mix the room temperature goat cheese with the finely chopped dried cranberries and fresh chives. Stir until everything is just combined.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Using a small spoon or your clean hands, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Aim for about 1-inch in diameter for each ball.
Step 3: Coat and Finish
Place the finely chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Roll each goat cheese ball in the pecans until it is fully coated on all sides.
Step 4: Serve Simply
Arrange the cranberry goat cheese balls on a serving plate. If you like, drizzle a little honey over them just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
📝 Final Note on Goat Cheese Balls
For best results and easier handling, chill these cheese balls for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. They can be made a day ahead.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: Classic Holiday Starter
This classic cheese ball is a real crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture, sharp cheddar, and festive cranberries. It’s simple to prepare and always a hit at gatherings.
I find this recipe always disappears quickly when I serve it. It’s truly a reliable starter.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pecan Cheese Ball
- Cream Cheese Softening: Make sure your cream cheese is very soft before you start mixing. This makes for a super smooth cheese ball and is much easier on your mixer.
- Toasted Pecans: For extra depth of flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Let them cool completely before using.
What You Need for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, for coating
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)🍽️ Yields: 1 large cheese ball (10-12 servings)
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Step 1: Make the Cheese Base
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add Flavors
Fold in the roughly chopped dried cranberries, finely chopped green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Step 3: Form and Chill
Scrape the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather the plastic wrap around the cheese mixture and shape it into a neat ball. Chill the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
Place the chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it gently in the pecans, pressing them onto all sides until fully coated. Serve with your favorite crackers or fresh apple slices.
📝 Final Note on Pecan Cheese Ball
This cheese ball is great with different types of crackers, pretzel crisps, or even apple slices. You can make it a day ahead and keep it chilled for easy party prep!
