Festive Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Slivered Almonds: A Perfect Holiday Treat

Looking for an elegant yet easy appetizer that will impress your guests?

These Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Slivered Almonds are the perfect bite-sized snack for any holiday party, gathering, or special occasion.

Creamy goat cheese is rolled in a mixture of tart cranberries, crunchy slivered almonds, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

The addition of a pretzel stick makes these appetizers both fun and convenient to serve—no utensils needed!

Let’s dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz goat cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 20-25 small pretzel sticks

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs. Set aside.
  2. Form the Cheese Balls: In a medium bowl, mix the goat cheese with honey (if using) and a pinch of black pepper. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the goat cheese into 1-inch balls.
  3. Roll the Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball in the cranberry-almond-herb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks to the cheese.
  4. Add the Pretzel Sticks: Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each goat cheese ball to create an easy-to-hold appetizer.
  5. Chill and Serve: Place the goat cheese balls on a platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes:

  • This recipe makes about 20-25 cheese balls, perfect for parties or small gatherings.
  • Feel free to customize the herb mixture with your favorite fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or dill.
  • You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for added flavor and crunch.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter appetizer, drizzle honey over the top before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Yield: 25

Festive Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Slivered Almonds: A Perfect Holiday Treat

Festive Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Slivered Almonds: A Perfect Holiday Treat

Looking for an elegant yet easy appetizer that will impress your guests?

These Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries and Slivered Almonds are the perfect bite-sized snack for any holiday party, gathering, or special occasion.

Creamy goat cheese is rolled in a mixture of tart cranberries, crunchy slivered almonds, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

The addition of a pretzel stick makes these appetizers both fun and convenient to serve—no utensils needed!

Let’s dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that’s sure to be a hit!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz goat cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 20-25 small pretzel sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs. Set aside.
  2. Form the Cheese Balls: In a medium bowl, mix the goat cheese with honey (if using) and a pinch of black pepper. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the goat cheese into 1-inch balls.
  3. Roll the Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball in the cranberry-almond-herb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks to the cheese.
  4. Add the Pretzel Sticks: Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each goat cheese ball to create an easy-to-hold appetizer.
  5. Chill and Serve: Place the goat cheese balls on a platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 20-25 cheese balls, perfect for parties or small gatherings.
  • Feel free to customize the herb mixture with your favorite fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or dill.
  • You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for added flavor and crunch.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter appetizer, drizzle honey over the top before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

25

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 394mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g
© Five Senses of Living

Wrapping Up Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries, and Slivered Almonds

These Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries, Slivered Almonds, Herbs, and a Pretzel Stick are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors, making them a standout appetizer for any occasion.

With goat cheese rolled in a flavorful mixture of cranberries, almonds, and fresh herbs, this bite-sized treat is both delicious and visually stunning.

The pretzel stick adds a fun and practical element, making them easy to serve and eat.

This recipe yields 20-25 cheese balls, making it ideal for holiday parties or casual gatherings.

Customize the flavors to your liking, and watch these elegant cheese bites disappear from the plate in no time!

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