Description
Delightfully creamy and crunchy Goat Cheese Balls coated with a flavorful pecan and panko crust, baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet drizzle of honey. These bite-sized appetizers combine smooth goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs, making them perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Balls
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large egg
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet and Mix Cheese: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the goat cheese and dried cranberries, stirring well until the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Roll this mixture into 18 uniform balls, approximately 1 ¼ inches each, and set aside.
- Prepare the Pecan Coating: Using a food processor or placing pecans in a zip-top bag, crush or grind the pecan halves into small pieces. In a shallow bowl, combine the ground pecans, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme, mixing thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat the Goat Cheese Balls: Beat the egg in a separate bowl until smooth. Dip each goat cheese ball first into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the pecan and panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere evenly. Place the coated balls on the lined baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Balls: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Arrange the frozen goat cheese balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the balls turn golden brown and develop a crisp crust.
- Serve: Remove the baked goat cheese balls from the oven and transfer immediately to a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly, then drizzle with honey before serving to add a sweet, complementary flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the goat cheese is at room temperature to make mixing and rolling easier.
- Freezing the balls before baking prevents them from melting too quickly and losing shape during baking.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use honey drizzle just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
- These goat cheese balls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.
