This super easy no-cook appetizer recipe is delicious, and it comes together in just 15 minutes. A cranberry pecan cheese ball is ideal for the busy holiday season or to bring to a potluck. For a larger no-cook appetizer, double the recipe to serve eight people instead of four. 

If you purchase goat cheese in logs rather than in a tub or a block, there’s no need to even shape your cranberry pecan cheese ball. You’ll just add the honey and toppings to the log(s) and serve. While this no-cook appetizer recipe technically serves four people, its richness allows it to go further as a finger food at holiday parties and potlucks in my experience.

If in doubt simply double the recipe!

Easy No-Cook Appetizer

Ingredients:

Pecans, finely chopped
Fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
Dried cranberries, chopped
Goat cheese 
Honey

To serve:
Crackers or crostini (I used Townhouse Pita Crackers)

Directions:

1. Combine chopped pecans, rosemary leaves, and cranberries in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
2. Place the goat cheese log in a rimmed bowl and drizzle 4 tablespoons of the honey on top. Turn the cheese log while spreading the honey evenly across the entire surface with clean fingers.
3. Sprinkle the chopped pecan mixture across the top of the honey-covered cheese log and gently press into the surface until the entire log is evenly coated.
   
4. Drizzle the remaining honey on a small serving platter or round plate as shown to hold the cheese log in place. Position the goat cheese in the center and sprinkle any remaining cranberry-pecan mixture around it. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers or crostini. Enjoy!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This easy no-cook appetizer is a hit at holiday parties. 

Yield: 4

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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This super easy no-cook appetizer recipe is delicious, and it comes together in just 15 minutes. A cranberry pecan cheese ball is ideal for the busy holiday season or to bring to a potluck.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 8 ounces goat cheese 
• 6 Tbsp. honey, divided

Instructions

1. Combine chopped pecans, rosemary leaves, and cranberries in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
2. Place the goat cheese log in a rimmed bowl and drizzle 4 tablespoons of the honey on top. Turn the cheese log while spreading the honey evenly across the entire surface with clean fingers.
3. Sprinkle the chopped pecan mixture across the top of the honey-covered cheese log and gently press into the surface until the entire log is evenly coated.
4. Drizzle the remaining honey on a small serving platter or round plate as shown to hold the cheese log in place. Position the goat cheese in the center and sprinkle any remaining cranberry-pecan mixture around it. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers or crostini. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 398Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 26mgSodium 263mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 2gSugar 41gProtein 12g