Cranberry Nut Goat Cheese Ball Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of tangy and sweet, with goat cheese and cranberries creating a seriously addictive combination. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and is always a hit at gatherings, making me look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
I adore making cheese balls to entertain, and my Cranberry Nut Goat Cheese Ball is a favorite. I use creamy goat cheese and cream cheese as the base and add sweet, chopped cranberries and crunchy pecans.
I think the honey and fresh thyme add a delightful flavor; with just a hint of black pepper and salt to balance it, I wouldn’t have a better vehicle for serving nuts and fruit in cheese form.
Ingredients
Goat Cheese:
High in protein and calcium, with a zesty and creamy texture.
Cream Cheese:
Imparts mild flavor and creaminess, smooth and spreadable.
Dried Cranberries:
Sour and sweet, high in fiber and antioxidants.
Pecans:
Packed with nutritious fats, they give a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
Honey:
Sweetener from nature that imparts a smooth texture and adds nectar-like floral sweetness.
Fresh Thyme Leaves:
Aromatic herbs provide an earthy flavor and a refreshing quality.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
2. Incorporating the honey, fresh thyme leaves, black pepper, and salt into the cheese mixture requires stirring until all the ingredients reach a state of full incorporation.
3. Into the cheese mixture, blend half of the minced dried cranberries and half of the minced pecans, while reserving the other half for coating the outside.
4. When the blend is thoroughly integrated, utilize your hands to shape the blend into a ball form.
5. On a clean surface or platter, spread out the remaining chopped pecans and cranberries in a single, even layer.
6. Cover completely and evenly the outside of the cheese ball with the mixture of cranberries and pecans.
7. Tightly wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
8. Prior to serving, take the cheese ball from the cold and allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly.
9. Remove the cheese ball from its wrapping and place it on a platter for serving.
10. Accompany the goat cheese ball made of cranberry, nut, and cheese with either crackers or a sliced baguette, and savor the experience!
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Hand mixer or wooden spoon (for mixing)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Plate or platter
7. Plastic wrap
8. Serving platter
FAQ
- Q:Q: Is it possible to prepare the cheese ball ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Q:May I use various other nuts rather than pecans? A: Of course, walnuts or almonds make for splendid stand-ins in this recipe for pecans.
- Q:What is the appropriate time to allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature before serving?
A: For optimal texture and flavor, the cheese ball should sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. - Q:Q: Is fresh thyme irreplaceable? A: You can use dried thyme; 1 teaspoon if using it in place of fresh thyme, and you’ll still have a fragrant dish. However, if you have an herb garden or access to the culinary steeping herbs used in professional kitchens, you might try replacing the thyme with lemon balm, savory, or marjoram. Even dill could stand in for thyme; its flavor won’t be nearly as potent, but in a pinch, it will still get the job done.
- Q:Is it possible to leave out the honey and achieve a less sweet flavor?
A:
Certainly! You can leave out the honey if you want. The cheese ball will be less sweet, but still fantastic. - Q:What can I serve with the cheese ball? A: The cheese ball is a great companion to a variety of crunchy and crusty sides. Crackers, sliced baguettes, and fresh vegetables—carrots, for instance—are all good choices for serving alongside cheese balls.
Substitutions and Variations
4 oz of softened cream cheese—mascarpone cheese can be used for a richer flavor.
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped – substitute with dried cherries or raisins for a different taste
1 cup pecans, chopped – swap in walnuts or almonds for a different nutty texture.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped – for an herbal variation, substitute with rosemary or parsley
1 tablespoon honey–replace with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
Pro Tips
1. Enhanced Coating: Toast the pecans lightly before chopping them. This adds a deeper flavor and a pleasant crunch that enhances the overall texture of the cheese ball.
2. Flavor Infusion: Prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors of the thyme, honey, and cheese to meld more fully, intensifying the taste profile.
3. Ease of Shaping: Use a sheet of plastic wrap to help you shape the cheese mixture into a ball. This will minimize sticking and make it easier to create a uniform shape.
4. Custom Presentation: Consider rolling the cheese ball in a variety of coatings, such as finely chopped fresh herbs or crushed crackers, to add visual appeal and intricate layers of flavor.
5. Serving Temperature: For optimal flavor and spreadability, allow the cheese ball to reach room temperature just before serving. This ensures the texture is creamy and easy to enjoy with crackers or bread.
Cranberry Nut Goat Cheese Ball Recipe
My favorite Cranberry Nut Goat Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Hand mixer or wooden spoon (for mixing)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Plate or platter
7. Plastic wrap
8. Serving platter
Ingredients:
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- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
“`
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
2. Incorporating the honey, fresh thyme leaves, black pepper, and salt into the cheese mixture requires stirring until all the ingredients reach a state of full incorporation.
3. Into the cheese mixture, blend half of the minced dried cranberries and half of the minced pecans, while reserving the other half for coating the outside.
4. When the blend is thoroughly integrated, utilize your hands to shape the blend into a ball form.
5. On a clean surface or platter, spread out the remaining chopped pecans and cranberries in a single, even layer.
6. Cover completely and evenly the outside of the cheese ball with the mixture of cranberries and pecans.
7. Tightly wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
8. Prior to serving, take the cheese ball from the cold and allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly.
9. Remove the cheese ball from its wrapping and place it on a platter for serving.
10. Accompany the goat cheese ball made of cranberry, nut, and cheese with either crackers or a sliced baguette, and savor the experience!