Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball
Sep 26, 2023 Updated Aug 15, 2024
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This cranberry pecan cheese ball is the tastiest way to say hello to sweater weather and goodbye to sweaty summer! This cheese ball is perfect for fall gatherings (just like my Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball), but it’s also a super easy appetizer for the winter holidays! With goat cheese, cream cheese, and blue cheese, this savory cheese ball pairs perfectly with hints of sweetness. Cue the toasted pecans and dried cranberries! You can also customize it to your flavor preferences (check out the list below).
For more autumnal ideas, check out my Puff Pastry Pumpkin Brie, Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball, Pinecone Cheese Ball, Fall Harvest Salad, Elevated Fall Cheese Board, Fall Burrata Board, Fall Dessert Board, Whipped Burrata Dip, Thanksgiving Turkey Board, and Thanksgiving Snack Board.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
- 3 tablespoons toasted pecans, finely chopped
- 5½ tablespoons chopped Craisins
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1½ tablespoons minced fresh chives
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Assorted crackers, for serving
How To Make a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, blue cheese, finely chopped pecans, 2½ tablespoons of the Craisins, parsley, chives, and salt.
- Push the cheese into the center of the bowl and form into a ball. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.
- Remove the chilled cheese from the bowl. Use your hands to roll into a ball. (Pro tip: Use the plastic wrap while shaping the cheese for less mess and a smoother shape!)
- Place the pecans and Craisins on separate plates. Roll the cheese ball in the toasted pecans first, then roll in the Craisins. Gently press the toppings into the cheese ball. Keep rolling, alternating between pecans and Craisins, and pressing until the cheese ball is completely coated.
- Serve on a platter with crackers on the side.
Other Goat Cheese Ball Fillings
If you want to make different versions of this cheese ball, have at it! These other mix-ins will also taste delicious with the goat and cream cheese combo.
- Crumbled bacon
- Honey (or hot honey!)
- Lemon zest
- Chopped jalapeño
You could also swap in pistachios for the pecans for a more savory bite…or skip the nuts altogether! You’re in charge.
Show Me Your Cheese Balls
I hope this post inspires you to make this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the snacks and apps you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!
And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles
- 3 tbsp toasted pecans finely chopped
- 5 1/2 tbsp chopped Craisins
- 1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced fresh chives
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp toasted pecans roughly chopped
- Assorted crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, blue cheese, finely chopped pecans, 2½ tablespoons of the Craisins, parsley, chives, and salt.
- Push the cheese into the center of the bowl and form into a ball. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.
- Remove the chilled cheese from the bowl. Use your hands to roll into a ball. (Pro tip: Use the plastic wrap while shaping the cheese for less mess and a smoother shape!)
- Place the pecans and Craisins on separate plates. Roll the cheese ball in the toasted pecans first, then roll in the Craisins. Gently press the toppings into the cheese ball. Keep rolling, alternating between pecans and Craisins, and pressing until the cheese ball is completely coated.
- Serve on a platter with crackers on the side.
Photos by Haley Hunt Davis of Salt Worth Creative. Food styling with Ryan Norton.
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I am anxious to try the Cranberry Pecan cheese ball and the pretzel turkey mini-cheese balls for Thanksgiving. I love the style and design tips and inspirational photos! Happy Thanksgiving!