Mini Christmas Cheese Balls

Mini cream cheese balls with pecans, craisins and herbs.

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 0

Chilling Time: 1

Total Time: 1 15

Servings:

Calories: 182kcal

Author: Aleka Shunk

Mini Christmas Cheese Balls are the perfect holiday appetizer table. The flavors are spot on and the colors are perfect for any Christmas gathering.

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Ingredients

4 oz goat cheese
3 oz cream cheese
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1½ tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
1 tablespoons fresh scallions, minced
¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped finely
½ cup whole pecans

Instructions

Roast your nuts in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes. Remove your pecans and chop finely when cool enough to touch. Set aside.
Mix your dried fruit, scallions, herbs and pecans in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
Cream together the cream cheese, goat cheese and brown sugar in a stand mixer or in medium bowl using a hand mixer.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This will firm up your cheese allowing you to easily roll your cheese balls.
Scoop about 1 ounce of filling into the palm of your hands and roll into a round ball. Repeat with the rest of the cheese filling.
Roll cheese balls in the herb mixture until fully coated. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Yield: 7-8 cheese balls

Allowing your cheese to stiffen up in the fridge will help you to roll your mini cheese balls perfectly.
Store cheese balls in the fridge until your ready to serve. They will soften as they come to room temperature.
Make sure your dried cranberries are quality. Look for those in plastic containers near the cheese section rather than the bagged brands. Some brands are very dry and not very sweet.
Drizzle honey over each after they are plated for added sweetness and shine.
Chop your herbs and nuts finely.

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