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+ servings
Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball

Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball: A Festive Treat for Everyone

The Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball is a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any holiday gathering, featuring creamy goat cheese and a crunchy pecan coating.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 balls
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Base
  • 8 oz Goat Cheese can substitute with cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Pecans can swap with walnuts or almonds
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries can substitute with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley can be omitted if not available
For Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar adjust quantity if using a different nut
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon adjust for personal preference
  • to taste Salt always season to taste

Equipment

  • small pan
  • Rolling Pin
  • meat tenderizer
  • mixing bowl
  • Serving Platter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball
  1. Begin by removing the goat cheese from its wrapper and slicing it into 8-10 evenly sized discs. Place the cheese discs on a plate and set aside to soften slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small pan over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Stir in the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sauté the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until the pecans are coated in the sugary glaze.
  3. Allow the pecan mixture to cool completely, about 10-15 minutes, then crush the pecans into a fine consistency and mix with dried cranberries and freshly chopped parsley.
  4. Take each slice of goat cheese and press it into the pecan mixture, covering both sides thoroughly. Form each slice into a ball shape.
  5. For a thicker layer, roll the cheese balls in the pecan mixture again. Optionally insert a pretzel stick in the center of each ball for easy serving.
  6. Transfer the cheese balls to a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Toast pecans for enhanced flavor. Allow goat cheese to soften for easier handling. Prepare a day in advance for best flavor.

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