Creamy goat cheese rolled in tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, finished with a drizzle of thyme-infused honey. These festive cheese balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, adding elegance and flavor to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients
- Cheese Balls
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Whole cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Shape the Cheese Balls
- Form the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 12-14 cheese balls.
- Roll in Coatings
- In a shallow dish, combine chopped cranberries and almonds. Roll each cheese ball in the mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides.
- Make the Thyme Honey Drizzle
- In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with thyme leaves for 5 minutes to infuse. Let it cool slightly.
- Serve
- Arrange the cheese balls on a platter, drizzle with thyme honey, and garnish with fresh rosemary and whole cranberries.
Helpful Tips
- Use Softened Cheese: Let the goat cheese and cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend and gives the cheese balls a smoother texture.
- Chill for Firmness: After forming the cheese balls, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if you want a firmer texture. This helps the cheese balls hold their shape and makes them easier to coat.
- Finely Chop the Coating Ingredients: For an even coating, chop the cranberries and almonds finely. This ensures that each bite has a good mix of tart and crunchy flavors.
- Infuse the Honey Slowly: When making the thyme honey drizzle, heat the honey gently with the thyme leaves to fully infuse the flavor without burning. You can strain the thyme out if you prefer a smooth drizzle.
Substitutions and Variations
- Goat Cheese: Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or a mix of feta and cream cheese for a tangier flavor. For a milder taste, try using ricotta or mascarpone.
- Almonds: Swap almonds with pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a different nutty flavor. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
- Dried Cranberries: Use other dried fruits like chopped dried apricots, raisins, or dried cherries to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Dried figs can also add a sweet, earthy note.
- Thyme Honey: Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal flavor. You can also add a touch of lemon zest or cinnamon to the honey for a warm, festive taste.
- Honey Drizzle: For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness while keeping the dish plant-based.
- Fresh Herbs: Instead of parsley, try using chives, dill, or basil in the cheese mixture for a fresh twist. Each herb adds a different flavor that complements the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cheese balls up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the thyme honey drizzle just before serving for the best presentation.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese, feta, or a combination of both for a milder taste. Ricotta or mascarpone also work well for a softer, creamier texture.
3. How do I prevent the cheese balls from getting too soft?
If the cheese balls are too soft to work with, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after forming. This helps them hold their shape better and makes them easier to coat with cranberries and almonds.
4. What if I don’t have fresh thyme for the honey drizzle?
No problem! You can substitute fresh thyme with a small amount of dried thyme, or use rosemary or sage for a different herbal note. Alternatively, omit the herbs for a plain honey drizzle.
More Recipes for Inspiration
- Try Cheese Balls Recipe for a delicious vegetarian version with spices and herbs for added flavor.
- Explore this Classic Cheese Ball for a traditional take with creamy cheese, herbs, and nuts—perfect for gatherings.
- Check out The Best Cheese Ball Recipe for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful appetizer that’s easy to make and customize.
These recipes offer creative and tasty variations on cheese balls, making them great companions to the Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Balls with Thyme Honey Drizzle!
Print
Cranberry & Almond Goat Cheese Balls with Thyme Honey
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 cheese balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy goat cheese rolled in tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, finished with a drizzle of thyme-infused honey. These festive cheese balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, adding elegance and flavor to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients
- Cheese Balls
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Whole cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Shape the Cheese Balls
- Form the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 12-14 cheese balls.
- Roll in Coatings
- In a shallow dish, combine chopped cranberries and almonds. Roll each cheese ball in the mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides.
- Make the Thyme Honey Drizzle
- In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with thyme leaves for 5 minutes to infuse. Let it cool slightly.
- Serve
- Arrange the cheese balls on a platter, drizzle with thyme honey, and garnish with fresh rosemary and whole cranberries.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese balls up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the thyme honey drizzle just before serving.
- Variations: Try swapping almonds with pecans or pistachios for different flavors, or add a pinch of lemon zest to the cheese mixture for brightness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Festive
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 00g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: goat cheese balls, cranberry almond appetizer, holiday cheese balls, thyme honey drizzle