You only need 10 minutes to prepare this popular goat cheese appetizer. These mini goat cheese balls, rolled in finely chopped pecans and skewered with a pretzel stick, are always the first to disappear from the serving tray.
❤️ Why you'll love these cranberry pecan mini goat cheese balls
Quick to make: Ten minutes from start to finish! They make a perfect last-minute appetizer.
Dairy-free: These mini goat cheese balls are a riff on my Mini Cheese Balls on a Stick that have been popular on Pinterest. These ones are made with goat cheese so my friends with sensitivities to cow's milk can enjoy them, too.
Gluten-free: Easy to make with gluten-free pretzel sticks.
🛒 Ingredients
- soft goat cheese
- grated hard cheese, like Pecorino, Manchego, Parmesan or Asiago
- dried cranberries: for a sweet contrast to salty goat cheese
- ground cinnamon: for a hint of spice.
- pecans, you'll finely chop these to coat the mini cheese balls
- pretzel sticks, (gluten-free if necessary) to skewer the cheese balls
I like to use either Pecorino or Manchego cheese or a combination of both along with the soft goat cheese. If cow's milk cheese is not a problem, you can also use a hard cheese like Parmesan or Asiago to mix with the goat cheese.
🔪 Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except pecans in a food processor until smooth.
- Using a small spoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop and roll small balls in the palm of your hand.
- Roll the balls in finely chopped pecans, gently pressing the nuts into the cheese so they adhere.
- Insert a pretzel stick and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve without the stick. If you insert the sticks too soon, they will become soggy.
👍🏼 Top Tip
Rolling these little cheese balls is almost meditative. It's a repetitive task. Scoop, roll, coat and skewer. Scoop, roll, coat and skewer. Don't get me wrong. This is a very easy, very quick recipe for a great little party snack, but the final stage requires nothing except quiet focus.
🍽 What to serve with mini goat cheese balls
I like to serve these with a variety of appetizers, like Sweet and Spicy Rosemary Nuts, Puff Pastry Cranberry Brie Pinwheels, or Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates with Walnuts and Mint.
Don't forget your beverages! Try this all-time favorite Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria, or Apple Cider Ginger Beer Mocktail. Find more non-alcoholic mocktail recipes in 9 Easy Fruity Mocktail Recipes.
Food is like a conduit, bringing us together to connect. In my home, parties often begin around my kitchen island, snacking on appies before gathering around the table. I hope you enjoy sharing this party snack in your home!
📖 Recipe
Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup soft goat cheese
- ¾ cup grated hard cheese, like Pecorino, Manchego, Parmesan or Asiago
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- pretzel sticks, gluten-free if necessary
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except pecans in a food processor until smooth.
- Using a small spoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop and roll small balls in the palm of your hand.
- Roll balls in finely chopped pecans.
- Insert a pretzel stick and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve without the stick. If you insert the sticks too soon, they will become soggy.
vernah
As a very long time cook who can multi task with the best of them, I always focus on the result. I love your words, they encourage me to slow down and enjoy the process
Flavour & Savour
Hi Vernah! Thanks for your kind comment! I've learned over the years that the process of creating in the kitchen is just as satisfying, if not more so, than the final product! Hope you get time to slow down and truly enjoy this holiday season!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Ashley! Goat cheese is often a good alternative for those who can't tolerate cow's milk cheese. These are so easy too! Thanks for commenting!
Ashley
I'm pretty sure goat cheese is my very favorite cheese - these look so so good!