Description
Deliciously creamy goat cheese balls coated with a crunchy pecan and panko crust, studded with sweet dried cranberries and subtly flavored with thyme. These bite-sized appetizers are baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey, making them a perfect savory-sweet treat for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 10 ounces goat cheese (plain, honey, or herbed), at room temperature
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
Coating
- ¼ cup raw pecan halves
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Others
- 1 large egg
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet and Cheese Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese and dried cranberries thoroughly to distribute the cranberries evenly throughout the cheese. Roll this mixture into 18 evenly sized balls, each about 1¼ inches in diameter.
- Prepare the Coating: Grind the pecan halves in a food processor until finely chopped or crush them in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Combine the ground pecans with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and dried thyme in a shallow bowl, mixing well to form the coating mixture.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Roll each goat cheese ball first in the beaten egg to moisten it, then roll in the pecan and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly to the surface. Place the coated balls on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to help them firm up, which aids in browning during baking.
- Bake the Goat Cheese Balls: Preheat your oven to 470°F (243°C). Arrange the frozen goat cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the goat cheese balls immediately from the oven and transfer them carefully to a serving plate. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes to set, then drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness and serve warm.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese balls before baking helps maintain their shape and results in a crispier coating.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a savory twist, omit honey or replace it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- These can be prepared ahead and kept frozen until ready to bake.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
