Description
These delightful Goat Cheese Balls are crispy, golden bites filled with tangy goat cheese and dried cranberries, coated in a crunchy pecan and panko crust. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack, they bake quickly to a crisp finish and are delicious drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Balls
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
Coating
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Other
- 1 large egg
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine and Roll: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the goat cheese and dried cranberries, mixing thoroughly until the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the cheese. Using your hands, roll the mixture into 18 small balls approximately 1 ¼ inches in diameter each.
- Make Pecan Crust: Grind the raw pecan halves in a food processor or crush them finely in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. In a shallow bowl, combine the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme, stirring to evenly distribute the herbs and salt.
- Coat and Freeze: Beat the large egg in a separate bowl. Dip each goat cheese ball first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the pecan-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm them up before baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Remove the frozen goat cheese balls from the freezer and arrange them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until they become golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the baked goat cheese balls to a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly, then drizzle with honey for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the goat cheese is at room temperature to make rolling easier.
- Freezing the balls before baking helps maintain their shape and ensures a crispy crust.
- You can switch out dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries for a different flavor.
- Serve as an appetizer or a party finger food alongside a fresh salad or charcuterie board.
- Use honey sparingly if you prefer less sweetness or substitute with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast.
