Description
These Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer combining creamy goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, and a crunchy pecan panko crust. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, ideal for parties or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Mixture
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
Pecan Coating
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Additional Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine and Roll: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese and dried cranberries, stirring until the cranberries are evenly distributed. Then, roll the mixture into 18 balls, each about 1 ¼ inches in diameter.
- Make Pecan Crust: Using a food processor or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, grind or crush the raw pecan halves to a coarse consistency. In a shallow bowl, combine the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme, mixing well.
- Coat and Freeze: Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Dip each goat cheese ball first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it gently in the pecan and panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crust adheres well. Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Once frozen, bake the goat cheese balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the baked goat cheese balls to a serving plate. Allow them to cool slightly, then drizzle with honey for a sweet finish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese balls before baking helps them hold their shape and ensures a crisp coating.
- You can experiment with different types of goat cheese such as plain, honey-flavored, or herbed to vary the flavor profile.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans and panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or seeds.
- Serve these balls warm for the best contrast between creamy interior and crispy coating.
- Make sure the goat cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and rolling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.
