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–+ servings
Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball

Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball That Will Wow Your Guests

This Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball combines creamy goat cheese with crunchy pecans, making it a must-have festive appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Ball
  • 8 ounces Goat Cheese Can substitute with cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Ensure it's melted before mixing.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Pecans Can substitute with walnuts or almonds.
  • 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries Feel free to swap for dried cherries or finely chopped dried apricots.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Can use maple syrup as a substitution.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Replace with nutmeg if desired.
  • 1 pinch Salt Essential for balancing flavors.
Optional Garnishes
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chop finely for mixing into the pecan coating.
  • Pretzel Sticks Perfect for serving.

Equipment

  • Medium pan
  • Spatula
  • Rolling Pin
  • sharp knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Unwrap the goat cheese and slice it into approximately 8–10 discs.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the pecan mixture onto parchment paper and spread it out to cool completely for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Break the cooled pecans into a crumbly texture and mix with 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
  5. Press each cheese disc gently into the pecan mixture on both sides, shaping them into balls.
  6. Roll each cheese ball again in the pecan mixture for an extra coating, if desired.
  7. Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball for serving.
  8. Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cheese ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference. Ensure cooling the pecans completely for the best texture.

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