Mini Goat Cheese Balls Recipes

GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet or plate that will fit in your freezer with parchment paper (and clear out some space in your freezer to hold it).
• Place the goat cheese and cranberries in a mixing bowl. With a sturdy spoon, break up the goat cheese and stir it together with the cranberries. Continue to stir and "smush" the cheese, until the cranberries are fairly evenly distributed (it doesn't need to be perfect or hold together at this point).
• Portion the goat cheese mixture and roll into 18 balls, distributing the cranberries evenly. (To get 18, I find it easiest to divide the mixture into 3 portions, divide each of those portions in half, then divide each half into 3). The balls will be about 1 1/4 inches or so each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground (don't over blend and turn them into pecan butter). Alternatively, you can place them in a thick ziptop bag and crush them with a rolling pin (or wine bottle).
• Transfer the ground pecans to a shallow bowl and stir together with the panko, salt, and thyme.
• In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly beat the egg.
• Working one or two at a time, roll a goat cheese ball first in the egg mixture, then the panko mixture. Lightly pat to adhere the crumbs to all sides. I find it easiest to use one hand as the "wet hand" (this is the one you use for the eggs) and one as the "dry" hand (for adhering the crumbs). Place the ball back on the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining balls.
• Freeze the balls for 30 minutes to harden. After 30 minutes, they are ready to bake, or you can transfer them to a ziptop bag for longer freezer storage.
• When you are ready to bake, place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 470 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the goat cheese balls on top.
• Bake the goat cheese balls until the crumbs are lightly golden and crisp, about 7 to 10 minutes depending upon your oven. Keep an eye on them as they cook to ensure the coating doesn't burn. If your oven doesn't bake evenly and you notice the ones in the pack browning before the ones in the front, rotate your pan 180 degrees F.
• With a thin, flexible spatula (or by lifting up the sheet of parchment-be careful, they roll!) immediately transfer the balls to a serving plate (if you leave them on the sheet, they will melt).
• Let cool 1 to 2 minutes, then drizzle with honey. Enjoy immediately!

ASSORTED HOLIDAY GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In a food processor add cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic powder and basil. Blend until combined.
• Place goat cheese mixture in refrigerator to cool for 20 minutes.
• Remove goat cheese mixture and roll into 1/2″ mini balls (you should be able to get around 12-14 balls out of the goat cheese mixture) When finished, place on parchment paper and put in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to harden.
• Remove the goat cheese balls from the refrigerator and roll them in the toppings (crushed pistachio, fresh dill, fresh chives, and pomegranate seeds) Place a pretzel stick through the center and serve.
• If you are not serving right away, store in the refrigerator.
• Optional: Serve with your favorite crackers.

MINI GOAT CHEESE CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
• Mix the goat cheese, cream cheese, scallions, 1 tablespoon of parsley, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
• Taking a tablespoon-sized scoop, roll the mixture into balls and place them on the sheet tray.
• Place the croutons in a food processor, pulse into crumbs. Place the crumbs in a bowl, add the remaining parsley and stir to combine. Roll the cheese balls in this mixture. Place them back on the sheet tray. Insert the pretzel toothpicks, place them on a serving tray, and enjoy.

MINI CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• Mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest and 1 cup shredded firm cheese (like cheddar, parmesan, pepper jack or gouda); season with salt and pepper. With moistened hands, form into 1-inch balls, chill 4 hours, then roll in toppings. Here we used chopped pistachios, chives, tarragon, hulled pumpkin seeds, bacon with paprika, almonds, and black and white sesame seeds.

MINI GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients except pecans in a food processor until smooth.
• Using a small spoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop and roll small balls in the palm of your hand.
• Roll balls in finely chopped pecans.
• Insert a pretzel stick and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve without the stick. If you insert the sticks too soon, they will become soggy.

MINI CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cheeses. Shape into 36 balls; roll balls in toppings as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. To serve, if desired, press a rye crisp or rolled corn chip into the top of each cheese ball.

RAINBOW GOAT'S CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• Place the rindless soft goat's cheese in a bowl and roughly mash with a splash extra-virgin olive oil and season to taste. Take small spoonfuls and roll into bite-sized balls. Chill, covered on a baking sheet until ready to use. Roll in coverings of your choice; crushed pink peppercorns, white and black toasted sesame seeds, snipped fresh chives or cayenne pepper all work well. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve, with cocktail sticks.
• Make them ahead; the rolled and coated balls will keep, covered in the fridge, for up to a day.