Unexpectedly Perfect for Post-Holiday Cravings: Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Why I Started Making These

I rediscovered something odd in my fridge last week — a handful of dried cranberries I forgot about. No big deal, right? But then I grabbed a block of creamy goat cheese just because. I dipped my finger in, tasted them side by side, and bam: a flavor combo I didn’t see coming.

It’s this little surprise flavor explosion. The tart cranberry hits first, then the nuttiness of good pecans, and that milky goat cheese hanging around in the background. Turns out, mashing those together into tiny balls feels like a rebellious act against all the usual holiday cookies.

Right now? It’s like they’re calling out to be made when everyone’s looking for something both fancy and weirdly comforting. Not sure why, but these tiny bites seem to catch that vibe.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Bites

These are small, no-bake cheese balls made from creamy goat cheese mixed with dried cranberries and chopped pecans. They are shaped into bite-sized balls, resulting in a creamy, chewy, and crunchy texture with vibrant color contrasts. The dish involves mixing, shaping, and garnishing, serving as an appetizer or party snack.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 95

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces goat cheese block softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• Optional fresh herbs or honey for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small scoop or spoon
• Serving platter

Method

 

1. Place dried cranberries and chopped pecans in separate small bowls for easy access during shaping.
   1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup pecans
2. Using a fork or rubber spatula, mix the softened goat cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
   8 ounces goat cheese block
3. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pecans into the goat cheese until evenly incorporated, creating a chunky mixture.
   1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup pecans
4. Using a small scoop or spoon, portion out approximately one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
5. Roll each ball in chopped pecans to coat the exterior evenly, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated balls on a serving platter.
   1/2 cup pecans
6. Optional: Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs or drizzle with honey for presentation. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for firmer texture.
   Optional fresh herbs or honey

Notes

For a firmer consistency, chill the assembled bites before serving. Experiment with different nuts or add a touch of honey to the mixture for extra sweetness.

This isn’t about impressing with complexity. It’s about catching all those unexpected bites, the ones that make you go, ‘Yeah, that’s different.’ Kind of like childhood snacks but with a little twist of grown-up weirdness. Whatever you call it, I’m pretty sure they’re here for the long haul.