CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks fancy but takes hardly any effort, these CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES are about to become your new go-to. They’re creamy, tangy, a little sweet, a little crunchy, and totally irresistible in just one bite. Imagine smooth goat cheese and cream cheese whipped together until fluffy, then rolled in a festive mix of toasted pecans, chewy dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Each mini cheese truffle is like a tiny flavor bomb on your snack table.
I still remember the first time I took these to a holiday party. I set the plate down, turned around to grab a drink, and by the time I came back there were only two left… and someone was already asking for the recipe. That’s the magic of these little bites – they seem “fancy” enough for a party, but they’re so simple that you can throw them together even on a busy weeknight.
What makes these CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES extra special is how quick they are to prepare (no oven needed!) and how family-friendly they are. Kids love them on crackers, adults love them with wine, and they’re easy to customize for different occasions. If you’ve tried a classic cheese ball recipe on the blog before, think of this as its fun, bite-sized cousin – same creamy comfort, but in adorable little party-ready portions.
So grab a bowl, plug in your mixer, and let’s make a batch of these pretty little truffles. Your snack table is about to steal the show!
What Is CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES?
The name CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES sounds a bit fancy, doesn’t it? You might be thinking, “Truffles… do I need a chocolatier’s degree for this?” Don’t worry – these are savory, no-stress, cheese “truffles” that you can whip up in one bowl. We call them truffles because they’re rolled into cute little bite-sized balls, just like chocolate ones, but instead of cocoa and ganache, you get creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries.
I like to joke that they’re called truffles because they magically disappear as soon as they hit the table – and you know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”… but honestly, these win over everyone. Curious yet? Roll up your sleeves, grab some crackers, and give these delicious little cheese truffles a try!
Why You’ll Love These CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES, but let’s talk about the big three:
1. Creamy, Crunchy, and Packed with Flavor
The heart of this recipe is the dreamy combination of tangy goat cheese and smooth cream cheese. Cinnamon and honey add gentle warmth and sweetness, while pecans bring a buttery crunch, dried cranberries add chew and tartness, and parsley gives everything a fresh pop. Every bite hits all the notes – creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and a little herby. It’s like a cheeseboard, rolled into one perfect bite.
2. Budget-Friendly Party Appetizer
Buying pre-made cheese appetizers or fancy party platters can get expensive fast. Making these CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES at home saves money and lets you control the quality of your ingredients. A block of goat cheese, some cream cheese, and a few pantry staples turn into a whole tray of appetizers that can easily feed a crowd. It’s restaurant-level presentation on a grocery-store budget.
3. Toppings That Steal the Show
The colorful outer coating is what makes these truffles stand out. The mix of diced pecans, dried cranberries, and minced parsley not only adds a beautiful, festive look, but also layers of flavor and texture. If you love these, you might also enjoy a classic goat cheese log rolled in nuts and herbs – but these little truffles are even more fun to serve and eat.
Ready to impress your guests (or just treat yourself)? Make a batch of these CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES at home and watch them disappear!
How to Make CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES
Quick Overview
These CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES are wonderfully simple: mix, roll, chill, serve. You’ll beat together goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon until fluffy, fold in some pecans, then roll the mixture into little balls and coat them in a colorful mix of pecans, cranberries, and parsley. No baking, no complicated steps, and they’re ready after a quick chill in the fridge. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20–30 minutes of hands-on time, depending on how fast you roll.
Key Ingredients for CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES
- 10 oz goat cheese – gives that tangy, creamy base and signature flavor.
- 6 oz cream cheese – makes the mixture extra smooth and spreadable.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – adds a warm, cozy note that pairs perfectly with cranberries and honey.
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for garnish – gently sweetens the cheese and adds a glossy drizzle on top.
- 1 ½ cups diced pecans, divided – some go into the cheese mixture, the rest form a crunchy coating.
- 1 cup diced dried cranberries – for sweet-tart chew and a beautiful ruby red color.
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley – adds fresh, herby flavor and a pop of green.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Beat the cheese mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, add the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons honey. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat everything together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so no streaks remain. -
Fold in pecans.
Add ½ cup of the diced pecans to the cheese mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold them in so the crunch is evenly distributed throughout the cheese. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the coating. -
Prepare your rolling station.
Line your countertop or a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In the center of the parchment, toss together the remaining pecans, all of the diced dried cranberries, and the minced parsley. Spread this mixture out slightly – this will be your coating “bed” for rolling the truffles. -
Shape the truffles.
Using a large cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out one portion of the cheese mixture and roll it gently between your hands to form a smooth ball. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they look neat on a platter. -
Roll in the coating.
Drop each cheese ball onto the pecan/cranberry/parsley mixture and gently roll it around until it’s completely coated on all sides. Press lightly so the coating sticks well. Transfer the coated truffle to a plate or tray. Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture until all mini cheese balls are coated. -
Chill before serving.
Place the tray of CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES in the refrigerator and chill until firm, at least 30–60 minutes. You can make them up to two days ahead; just store in an airtight container in the fridge. -
Serve and enjoy.
Right before serving, drizzle the truffles lightly with extra honey if desired. Serve with crackers, warm crostini, or simply add a toothpick (or pretzel stick) in each one for easy snacking.
What to Serve CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES With
These CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES are incredibly versatile and pair well with all kinds of snacks and drinks. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Crackers and Crostini: Serve with buttery crackers, seedy crackers, or thin slices of toasted baguette.
- Fresh Fruit: Grapes, apple slices, and pear slices complement the sweetness of the cranberries and honey.
- Charcuterie Board: Add them to a board with cured meats, olives, nuts, and more cheese for a show-stopping party spread.
- Wine or Sparkling Drinks: These pair beautifully with a chilled white wine, rosé, or sparkling water with citrus.
Put them in the center of your appetizer table and let everyone build their own delicious bite.
Top Tips for Perfecting CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES
- Start with softened cheese. Let your goat cheese and cream cheese come to room temperature so they beat together smoothly and don’t form lumps.
- Chill if the mixture is too soft. If your cheese mixture feels sticky or difficult to roll, pop the bowl in the fridge for 15–20 minutes, then try again.
- Toast the pecans (optional but recommended). Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant adds extra flavor and crunch. Let them cool completely before using.
- Adjust the sweetness. Like it sweeter? Add an extra drizzle of honey to the cheese mixture. Prefer it more savory? Reduce the honey slightly and add a pinch of salt.
- Ingredient swaps. You can swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or dried apricots, and use chopped chives instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Make one large cheese ball. Short on time? Instead of mini truffles, form the cheese mixture into one large cheese ball. You’ll only need ½ cup diced pecans, ½ cup diced cranberries, and ¼ cup parsley for rolling the outside.
- Avoid overworking the coating. If the coating mixture gets clumpy or sticky from handling, you can spread it out again or add a few more pecans to refresh the texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES is that they’re easy to make ahead and store.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Transfer the cheese truffles to an airtight container, arranging them in a single layer if possible (or separate layers with parchment paper). Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The parsley may lose a bit of its bright green color over time, but the flavor will still be great.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance for a party. Just keep them chilled and drizzle with honey right before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Because these truffles are coated in fresh parsley and dried fruit, freezing can slightly change the texture of the coating. If you do choose to freeze them, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh with a sprinkle of extra parsley or cranberries if needed. They’re best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating needed! These CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES are meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. Simply remove them from the fridge about 10–15 minutes before serving so the cheese softens slightly and the flavors shine.
Nutrition Information (Per Cheese Ball)
Approximate nutrition for one cheese ball:
- Calories: 164 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g)
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
- Sodium: 89 mg
- Potassium: 66 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Vitamin A: 435 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Now it’s your turn! Save this recipe, grab your ingredients, and whip up a batch of CRANBERRY PECAN GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES for your next gathering – or just for a cozy night in. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
