Recipe By: @sailor_bailey
🧀 Fun Fact: Chèvre is French for goat, and its gentle tang makes a brilliant match for sweet cranberries, toasted pecans, and fragrant herbs in festive holiday appetizers.
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Ingredients
16 oz goat cheese (two 8 oz logs), softened
⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
½ tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Fresh rosemary sprigs, for serving
Crackers or crostini, for serving
Let's Get Cooking!
1️⃣ Prepare the Coating
Finely chop the dried cranberries and pecans. Combine them on a shallow plate with the thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and cracked black pepper.
2️⃣ Soften the Cheese
Allow the goat cheese to reach room temperature until soft enough to shape. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute half the goat cheese with softened cream cheese.
3️⃣ Roll Into Bites
Divide the goat cheese into 12–15 portions. Using clean hands, gently roll each portion into a small, bite-sized ball.
4️⃣ Coat With Crunch
Roll each cheese ball through the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing gently until coated on all sides.
5️⃣ Add the Rosemary
Insert a small sprig of fresh rosemary into each cheese ball, creating an elegant, edible garnish that doubles as a decorative pick.
6️⃣ Chill & Set
Arrange the finished cheese balls on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Let them soften slightly before serving. Pair with crisp crackers, toasted crostini, or fresh vegetables for a festive, crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare these little bites a day or two before your gathering and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container until serving time.
