Honey Goat Cheese Balls with Apricot, Pecans, and Cinnamon Recipe
Honey Goat Cheese Balls are an easy and elegant appetizer perfect for any festive occasion. Creamy goat cheese is shaped into bite-sized balls and coated with a sweet mixture of honey, apricot preserves, and crunchy pecans, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese
- 5 ounce goat cheese log
Coating Mixture
- 1/4 cup crushed or chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons apricot preserves (or preserves of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crushed or chopped pecans, apricot preserves, raw honey, and an optional pinch of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Form goat cheese balls: Cut the goat cheese log into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece gently between your palms to form small balls; they do not have to be perfectly shaped.
- Coat the cheese balls: Roll each goat cheese ball in the prepared pecan, apricot, and honey mixture. Press each ball into the mixture firmly to ensure an even coating of flavors.
- Chill before serving: Place the coated balls onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Repeat the coating process for all cheese balls, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the coating to set.
- Serve: Present the chilled Honey Goat Cheese Balls with toothpicks or pretzel sticks for easy eating as a delightful finger food.
Notes
- You can substitute apricot preserves with other fruit preserves such as peach or raspberry for different flavor variations.
- The pinch of cinnamon is optional but adds a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness and nuttiness.
- Use fresh pecans for the best texture and flavor—roasting them lightly before crushing can add extra depth.
- Serve these cheese balls chilled to maintain the shape and enhance taste.
- Pairs well with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit for a full appetizer spread.
