Mini Cheese Ball Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Mini Cheese Ball Bites are a delightful and elegant snack perfect for any gathering. Creamy goat cheese is coated with a sweet and crunchy pecan and cranberry mixture, making each bite a burst of flavor and texture. Quick to prepare, they’re sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- Pretzel sticks for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the goat cheese from its wrapper and cut it into 8 to 10 discs. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat a small pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it starts to bubble, add the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, then pour it onto a large sheet of parchment paper in a thin layer. Let it cool until the candy coating hardens.
- Step 4: Fold the parchment paper in half to trap the coated nuts, then crush gently with a meat tenderizer. Chop any larger pieces with a knife until minced.
- Step 5: Finely chop the dried cranberries and combine them with the pecan mixture and fresh parsley on a plate or cutting board.
- Step 6: Press each goat cheese disc into the pecan- cranberry mixture on all sides, then carefully roll it into a ball.
- Step 7: If desired, roll the cheese balls again in the mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat with all cheese discs.
- Step 8: For easy serving, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball (optional).
Tips & Variations
- For a different nutty flavor, try substituting walnuts or almonds for pecans.
- Add a touch of honey to the pecan mixture for extra sweetness and shine.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used instead of parsley for a savory twist.
- Make bite-sized portions by cutting the goat cheese into smaller discs for cocktail parties.
Storage
Store the cheese ball bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and soften the cheese slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
Cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar works well if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have goat cheese on hand.
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Mini Cheese Ball Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 mini cheese ball bites 1x
Description
These Mini Cheese Ball Bites are an elegant and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese discs coated with a sweet and crunchy mixture of pecans, brown sugar, and dried cranberries. Enhanced with a hint of cinnamon and fresh parsley, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 oz goat cheese
Coating
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Serving
- Pretzel sticks (optional, for garnish and easy serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Discs: Remove the goat cheese from its wrapper and cut it into 8-10 small discs. Set aside these discs to use as the base for your mini cheese balls.
- Make the Pecan Coating: Heat a small pan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter begins to bubble, add the chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Nut Mixture: Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to allow the sugar to caramelize and coat the pecans evenly. Then pour the hot mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper, spreading it thinly.
- Cool and Crush the Coating: Allow the spread mixture to cool completely until it hardens. Once set, fold the parchment paper to trap the nuts inside and use a meat tenderizer to crush them into small pieces. Chop any larger pieces further with a knife to get a fine mixture.
- Mix with Cranberries and Parsley: Finely chop the dried cranberries, then combine them with the crushed pecans and fresh chopped parsley on a plate or cutting board. This will be the coating for the cheese balls.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Take one goat cheese disc and press it firmly into the nut mixture on each side, then roll it to fully coat the cheese. Shape it gently into a ball.
- Coat Again if Needed: If desired, roll the cheese balls once more into the pecan, cranberry, and parsley mixture to ensure full coating and crunch.
- Add Pretzel Sticks: To make serving easy, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball. This step is optional but adds a fun presentation and convenient handle for guests.
Notes
- Using room temperature goat cheese discs helps the coating stick better.
- Make sure to let the caramelized pecan mixture cool completely before crushing for best texture.
- Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
- Dried cranberries add sweetness and contrast, but you can substitute other dried fruits like chopped apricots.
- Store the cheese balls chilled in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with crushed pretzels or seeds.
- The pretzel stick garnish is optional but makes for elegant presentation and easy finger food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: goat cheese appetizer, cheese ball bites, pecan cheese balls, holiday appetizers, finger food, party snacks, sweet and savory appetizers
