Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped, divided
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in half of the cranberries, pecans, and herbs. Add honey, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Shape the mixture into a ball (or log) using plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm.
- In a shallow dish, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and herbs.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the cranberry-pecan mixture until fully coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit slices.
Notes
- Chill before rolling to help the coating stick better.
- Use walnuts or almonds as a nut substitute.
- For extra flavor, add rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make a dessert version with extra honey and cinnamon.
- Best served slightly softened at room temperature for easier spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg