Description
These delightful Goat Cheese Balls feature creamy goat cheese blended with dried cranberries, coated in a crunchy pecan and panko breadcrumb mixture, and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a light drizzle of honey, they make a perfect savory-sweet appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
Coating
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Binding
- 1 large egg
Finishing
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and dried cranberries thoroughly. Using your hands or a spoon, roll the mixture into 18 uniform balls, each about 1¼ inches in diameter.
- Prepare the pecan coating: Using a food processor, grind the raw pecan halves until finely chopped but not pasty, or crush using a zip-top bag and rolling pin. In a shallow bowl, mix the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat the cheese balls: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg until slightly frothy. Dip each goat cheese ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the pecan and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating adheres well. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to help them firm up for baking.
- Bake the balls: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Once preheated, arrange the frozen goat cheese balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they become golden brown and develop a crisp exterior.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the baked goat cheese balls to a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly, then drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy as a sophisticated appetizer.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese balls before baking prevents them from melting too quickly and helps maintain their shape.
- Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs adds extra crunchiness to the coating.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase panko breadcrumbs or substitute with finely chopped seeds.
- Adjust the honey drizzle to taste based on whether you prefer it more or less sweet.
- These can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving for convenience.
