Hey friends!
The holidays are here, and you know what that means—lots of delicious food!
Today, I’m excited to share a fun and festive treat: a Christmas cheese ball.
This cheesy goodness is a crowd favorite and super easy to whip up.
It’s perfect for parties or cozy get-togethers.
Let’s get you in the holiday spirit with this tasty recipe!
Ingredient Substitutions
Goat cheese can be replaced with cream cheese for a milder flavor or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Use an equal amount and adjust seasoning as needed, as goat cheese is tangier. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. Use the same quantity and toast them lightly to enhance flavor. Dried cranberries can be swapped with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for variety. Use the same amount, but consider adjusting sweetness if the alternative fruit is less tart than cranberries. These substitutions maintain the cheese ball’s texture and festive appearance while accommodating various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if desired)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Begin by removing the cheese from its wrapper and cutting it into 8-10 discs.
Set these aside, ready for coating later in the process.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Candy Coating
Heat a small pan to medium heat and melt your butter.
Once the butter begins to bubble, add in the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the mixture for approximately 5 minutes while stirring often to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Pour the cooked mixture over a large sheet of parchment paper, spreading it in a thin layer.
Allow the pecan mixture to cool until the candy coating becomes hard.
Step 3: Crush and Mince the Pecans
Fold the parchment paper in half to enclose the nuts, then crush them with a meat tenderizer.
Use a knife to chop any larger pieces remaining until the nuts are finely minced.
This will create a crumbly texture for the cheese coating.
Step 4: Combine Coating Ingredients
Finely chop the cranberries and add them to the minced pecans.
Mix the pecans, cranberries, and chopped parsley together on a plate or cutting board.
This mixture will be used to coat the cheese discs.
Step 5: Coat the Cheese Discs
Take each goat cheese disc and press it into the pecan mixture on both sides.
After the discs have been covered, gently roll them into a ball shape, ensuring the pecans stick to the cheese.
If necessary, coat the cheese balls again by rolling them in the mixture once more for a more thorough coating.
Repeat this process for each disc of cheese.
Step 6: Prepare for Serving
Add a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball for easy serving, if desired.
This optional touch allows for easy picking and a decorative flair.
Serve the cheese balls as a delightful appetizer or snack, and enjoy!
