Herbed Goat Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Almonds Recipe

Introduction

This delightful goat cheese ball combines creamy cheeses with fragrant herbs, sweet honey, and tart dried cranberries for a perfect appetizer. Coated in crunchy slivered almonds and served with crackers, it’s an easy yet impressive snack for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 oz soft goat cheese
• 4 oz plain cream cheese, dairy-free or regular
• 3 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 2-3 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• Crackers of your choice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the goat cheese, cream cheese, thyme, parsley, oregano, basil, honey, and dried cranberries.
2. Step 2: Use a fork or an electric mixer to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until smooth and evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: Using clean hands, shape the mixture into a large ball.
4. Step 4: Spread the slivered almonds on a plate. Place the goat cheese ball on top and gently roll it around, coating the outside evenly with the almonds.
5. Step 5: Transfer the coated goat cheese ball to a serving plate, drizzle with additional honey, and serve with your favorite crackers.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the slivered almonds lightly before coating the cheese ball.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or dill for a burst of freshness.
• Substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots for a different sweet note.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a subtle twist in sweetness.

Storage

Store the goat cheese ball covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cheese ball can be sliced and enjoyed on sandwiches or salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the goat cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the cheese ball a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. This also allows the flavors to meld nicely.

What can I use if I don’t have dried herbs?

If dried herbs aren’t available, you can use fresh herbs—just use about three times the amount called for dried, finely chopped.

Herbed Goat Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Almonds Recipe

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A creamy and flavorful goat cheese ball coated with crunchy slivered almonds and infused with a blend of dried herbs, dried cranberries, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Perfect as an elegant appetizer served with your favorite crackers.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cheese ball, serving 6-8 people 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz soft goat cheese
• 4 oz plain cream cheese, dairy-free or regular
• 3 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 2–3 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries

Coating and Serving

• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• Crackers of your choice, for serving

Instructions

1. Add Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, honey, and dried cranberries. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor.
2. Combine Mixture: Using a fork or an electric mixer, thoroughly mix the ingredients until smooth and well combined into a uniform mixture.
3. Form Cheese Ball: With clean hands, shape the cheese mixture into a large ball. This process ensures the cheese ball holds together and has a nice shape for presentation.
4. Coat with Almonds: Spread the slivered almonds evenly on a plate. Place the goat cheese ball on top of the almonds and gently roll it around, pressing lightly to adhere the almonds to the surface, creating a crunchy coating.
5. Serve: Transfer the coated goat cheese ball to a serving plate. Drizzle additional honey over the top for extra sweetness and shine. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers for an easy and impressive appetizer.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and check that the goat cheese is suitable or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• The mixture can be prepared a few hours ahead and chilled to allow flavors to meld.
• Other nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts can be used instead of slivered almonds for coating.
• Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor, but dry herbs work well.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: goat cheese ball, cheese ball recipe, appetizer, party snack, creamy cheese ball, herb cheese ball, easy appetizer