Description
These Cranberry Goat Cheese Truffles are the ultimate festive appetizer—creamy, tangy, sweet, crunchy, and ready in under 30 minutes with zero cooking required. Rolled in dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs, these elegant bite-sized goat cheese balls steal the spotlight at any holiday party. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, Thanksgiving spreads, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or anytime you need a beautiful no-bake appetizer.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese – softened
- Cream cheese – softened, helps smooth the mixture
- Dried cranberries – finely chopped
- Chopped pecans – toasted for best flavor
- Fresh rosemary or parsley – finely chopped
- Honey (optional) – adds sweetness
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Mix Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine softened goat cheese and cream cheese until fully smooth.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in half of the chopped cranberries and some chopped pecans.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for 15–20 minutes to firm it up for rolling.
- Form Balls: Use a small scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into mini truffles.
- Roll in Coating: Mix remaining cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs in a shallow dish. Roll each cheese ball to coat evenly.
- Serve or Store: Place on a platter with toothpicks or refrigerate until serving time.
Notes
- Chop cranberries and nuts very finely to help them stick.
- Always chill the cheese mixture—warm cheese is too soft to roll.
- Use gloves if the mixture feels sticky.
- Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
- Try variations like adding bacon, walnuts, figs, spices, or forming into cheese logs.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: Cranberry Goat Cheese Truffles, Goat Cheese Balls, Christmas Appetizers, Holiday Finger Foods, Goat Cheese Truffles, Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls, No Bake Appetizer, Festive Appetizers