Dessert

Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

ByLily Monroe December 7, 2025December 7, 2025

Introduction

Cranberry Pecan Mini Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy goat cheese blended with honey and spices, then rolled in a crunchy, savory topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These bite-sized treats are both elegant and easy to make.

The image shows eight small round cheese balls placed on a white rectangular plate with raised edges. Each cheese ball is coated in a mixture of chopped nuts and green herbs, giving them a rough, textured look with colors of brown, green, and cream. At the back left corner of the plate, there is a small garnish of parsley and a single radish, adding a fresh green and red touch. Behind the plate, there are blurred Christmas decorations consisting of gold and red ornaments and festive wrapped gifts, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 oz goat cheese, at room temperature
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon dried chili flakes
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅔ cup dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
½ cup fresh parsley, lightly chopped
½ cup fresh chives, lightly chopped
1 cup roasted pecans, lightly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, chili flakes, and salt. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Cover and place in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Add dried cranberries to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add parsley and chives, pulsing 6-7 times until finely chopped. Add bacon and pecans and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not over-processed. Transfer the mixture to a plate or shallow bowl.
Step 3: Remove the cheese mixture from the freezer. Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, form mini bite-sized cheese balls.
Step 4: Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan topping, gently pressing to ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 5: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

You can buy roasted pecans or roast your own by baking whole pecans at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then letting them cool before chopping.
Make the goat cheese mixture ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Prepare the topping just before serving and roll the balls fresh.
This recipe yields about 24 mini cheese balls. For fewer servings, halve the ingredients to make 12.

Storage

Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be served chilled or brought to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture of the cheeses.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface, holding nine small, round cheese balls covered with chopped nuts and herbs. Each cheese ball has a rough texture from the coating, appearing brownish with green specks from the herbs mixed in. The balls are arranged in a scattered formation, some closer to the front of the plate, others more towards the back. A sprig of fresh green parsley and some red berries are placed next to the cheese balls for decoration. In the background, there are blurred Christmas-themed ornaments in red, gold, and green, adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios depending on your preference. Just be sure to roast and chop them for the best texture.