Sweet & Savory Honey-Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
These delightful goat cheese balls offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a crunchy pecan-panko coating. They are easy to make and a fantastic appetizer for any occasion.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- small cookie scoop (optional)
- parchment paper
- plate or baking sheet
- shallow dish
- hot pan (optional)
- oven (optional)
Ingredients
Goat Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese (chevre) softened at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced very fine (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
Coating
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans toasted
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chives, parsley, minced garlic, and black pepper, mixing gently to maintain texture.
- Drizzle honey into the goat cheese mixture and fold it in carefully to add sweetness and richness.
- Roll the goat cheese mixture into 1-inch balls using clean hands or a scoop and place them on a parchment-lined plate.
- In a shallow dish, combine the toasted pecans and panko breadcrumbs for the coating.
- Gently roll each goat cheese ball in the pecan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Refrigerate the coated goat cheese balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up and help them hold their shape.
Serving
- Serve the goat cheese balls chilled, or for a warm option, sear them in a hot pan with olive oil until golden, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Notes
For best results, make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. You can also prepare these ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If baking or searing, keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.