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+ servings
Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball

Deliciously Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball to Impress Everyone

This Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive appetizer that combines tangy goat cheese with a crunchy pecan and cranberry crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Base
  • 8 oz Goat Cheese Substitute with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Margarine or vegan butter can be swapped for a dairy-free option.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Pecans Consider using walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles.
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Can be replaced with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar No direct substitution suggested.
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon Optional, depending on your flavor preference.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances overall flavor.
For Garnishing
  • 10 Pretzel Sticks Optional for easy serving and a fun presentation.

Equipment

  • medium skillet
  • spatula
  • resealable bag
  • meat tenderizer or rolling pin
  • large plate

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cutting the goat cheese into 8-10 equal discs, each about an inch thick and set aside.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add in 1 cup of chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until pecans are golden.
  3. Transfer the pecan mixture onto parchment paper and cool for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Place the cooled pecan mixture in a resealable bag and crush it into a fine crumb using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin.
  5. Combine the crushed pecans with ½ cup of finely chopped dried cranberries and a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley on a large plate.
  6. Coat each cheese disc in the pecan mixture and shape into balls.
  7. Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball for presentation.
  8. Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1biteCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Toast your pecans for added flavor. Chill before serving to enhance flavors and solidify shape.

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