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Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, and friends and family are stopping by throughout the evening to share in the joy of the holiday season.

You’ve prepped a plethora of holiday treats for your guests, including a charcuterie board filled with your favorite salty delights, a pecan cranberry cheese ball surrounded by perfectly selected dippers (including pita chips and buttery Ritz crackers), and a tower of peppermint-frosted brownies topped with beautiful crushed candy canes.

As each loved one opens the front door, they’re wrapped up in the light sounds of holiday carols, the relief of feeling the warm, fragrant air, and the delight of a perfect holiday spread on your table, just waiting to be enjoyed.

It’s hard to beat the cozy feeling that comes with holiday gatherings, and there’s no centerpiece quite like a cranberry goat cheese ball to bring your guests happily around the table, chatting with one another as they enjoy hot cocoa. Our pecan cranberry cheese ball recipe is the perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and tang to have your guests coming back for more, time and again.

Let’s take a look at exactly how to make the perfect pecan and dried cranberry cheese ball, loaded with sweet dried cranberries, luxurious goat cheese, crunchy chopped pecans, and a citrusy finish to pack an unexpected punch.

Pecan Cranberry Cheese Ball

Ingredients

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans, salt, and pepper. Add softened goat cheese and softened cream cheese.

If you add any of the optional ingredients listed above, add them to the creamy cheese mixture here.

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix well until combined.

After the mixture is combined, place a large square of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Pull each corner of the plastic wrap into one hand. Continue pulling in the edges of the plastic wrap until the cheese mixture is fully covered.

Gently form the mixture into a ball (no need for perfection—the cheese will firm up and become easier to work with as it chills).

Use a twist tie or bag clip to secure the plastic around the ball, ensuring that it’s secured tightly in plastic wrap. Place on a plate or cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or overnight). Store the remaining chopped pecans and dried cranberries.

About an hour before you’re ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the fridge. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Remove the cheese mixture from the plastic wrap.

Carefully press the cheese ball into the pecans and dried cranberries, gently rolling it to ensure that it’s completely covered in dried cranberries and chopped pecans.

Place the cranberry pecan cheese ball in the center of a large plate. Surround with crackers, pretzels, large bread cubes, sweet potato chips, or other favorite holiday appetizers. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prepare the cranberry pecan cheese ball?

You can prepare your pecan cranberry cheese ball a day or two in advance. Ensure that it’s tightly wrapped so that it isn’t exposed to air, and keep it in the fridge until an hour before you’re going to serve holiday appetizers.

Can I freeze my cranberry cheese ball?

Yes! If you’re getting ahead of the game and want to prepare your cheese ball far in advance, no problem. Don’t wrap the cheese ball in toppings until you’re ready to serve. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Wrapped well, your cheese ball can stay fresh and frozen in your fridge for up to four weeks.

Before serving a previously frozen cheese ball, be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Don’t forget to roll your cheese ball in chopped pecans and dried cranberries before serving to your guests!

Can I use other types of fruit in a cranberry pecan cheese ball?

Absolutely! Creativity is encouraged. Adding chopped candied orange peels, dried mango, or dried pineapple can add a fun new twist to a classic recipe. Bonus: adding additional citrus fruit to your cheese ball can help to bring out the citrus finish of your Ms. Natural Cypress Grove Goat Cheese.

Is Ms. Natural the only goat cheese that I should use for this recipe?

While we love the combination of Ms. Natural Goat Cheese with dried cranberries and chopped pecans, we have several other goat cheese options that can work in this recipe as well. Our Meyer Lemon & Honey Goat Cheese is another fun option for your cranberry cheese ball. The surprising burst of herbs in our Purple Haze Goat Cheese can add an unexpected twist to your recipe.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in my pecan cranberry cheese ball?

Out of cream cheese? No worries. You can double up on your favorite Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, or mix two different varieties for a new flavor. If you’d like to ramp up the sweetness, try substituting mascarpone for cream cheese.

Should a cranberry cheese ball be served as an appetizer or a dessert?

Your guests will love this recipe no matter when you serve it, but we recommend using it as an easy appetizer to kick off a holiday gathering. If you’re serving it as a dessert, skip the green onions and add a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra sweetness.

Ready to Try This Cranberry Cheese Ball Recipe?

Ready to get your cranberry cheese ball prepped for your loved ones? Click here to order your favorite goat cheese online, or use our store locator to find our products near you. Be sure to check back with us regularly to check out more appetizers.

As always, Cypress Grove Goat Cheese is the perfect way to add decadence to holidays, fun to celebrations, and a touch of deliciousness to weekday dinners. We hope you enjoy this recipe and have a happy holiday season!

The holidays are here again, and there’s nothing quite like a festive cheeseboard to elevate your gatherings and events. While traditional cheeseboards often focus on cow’s milk cheeses, this year, why not try something a little different? Goat cheese offers a fantastic range of flavors and textures, from tangy and fresh to rich and decadent.

Here’s how to assemble a cheeseboard that uses goat cheese to stand apart, and a few cheeseboard recipes (or how-tos) to make things easy. Don’t worry; assembling a stand-out cheese board is probably one of the easiest appetizers or sides that you’ll make this holiday season — if you start with great cheese.

What Goes into the Best Cheeseboards

A good cheeseboard starts with good cheeses, but they should be paired with complementary foods and beverages. Here’s what makes a truly unforgettable spread:

Cheeses

Most cheeseboards have an odd number of cheeses, with 3 and 5 different types being common. Ensure there’s a good variety of different cheese types. This way, people can find something they like, and have fun trying different pairings.

As a starting point, you choose three cheeses from different types of milk (goat, cow and sheep) or  different regions. That’s a simple way to make sure you have a diverse offering.

Another way to build variety is with cheese that has herbs or other additions mixed in. You can even create a themed board like spooky, fall, spring, pastels, etc.

For example, you could create a goat cheese board from the different cheeses that Cypress Grove makes. A board with Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Meyer Lemon and Honey Goat Cheese, and Psychedillic would be a great way to show , sweet and savory cheeses. You could further round this out with Midnight Moon (smooth and nutty),  Sgt. Pepper Goat Cheese (spicy) and Truffle Tremor (earthy), for something quite elaborate.

Creating diversity within a single cheese category is always an option, but it’s especially useful if ordering online. You can combine multiple cheeses from the same cheesemaker to save on shipping, but still have good diversity on your board.

Something Sweet

At least one sweet item should be on every cheese board, and sweets can taste particularly good if you have a couple of tangy cheeses (e.g. goat cheese or feta).

For a general guideline, have 1-2 fewer sweets than you do cheeses. Just 1 or 2 sweet additions are perfect for a 3-cheese cheeseboard. With five cheeses, add another sweet item.

Fruits can make a perfect sweet component for your boards.

Something Savory

Including something savory will balance out the sweetness, either of your sweet addition or a sweet cheese (e.g. honey goat cheese).

Again, aim for 1-2 fewer savory items than you have cheeses. Just 1 or 2 savories are perfect for a 3-cheese cheeseboard and an extra savory if doing a 5-cheese board.

Cured meats can make a delicious, savory addition!

Something Crunchy

A crunchy item isn’t for flavor balance and cheese pairing but rather for texture since all cheeses are smooth and soft for the most part. A crunchy item gives your board some literal bite rather than the metaphorical bite of a sharp goat or cheddar cheese.

Nuts are a classic crunchy item to add. You can either leave them plain or use sugared nuts to double them up as a sweet and crunchy addition.

Crackers

Don’t forget crackers and/or bread to put the cheese on. Crackers can range from the basic Wheat Thin or Triscuit, to your fanciest multi-seed crackers. You can also add some sweet or savoriness by using both plain and flavored crackers. Be sure to have at least some plain, as plain is the most versatile when pairing with different cheeses. Same with the bread!

(Crackers add some crunch, but your board will be even more diverse if you have another crunchy item alongside them.)

Garnish

For a final touch, add some garnish around the board. These could be sprigs of herbs, cranberries, edible flowers, or any other little edible items that you like.

The Display

Cheeseboards are as much show as they are flavor. Ideally you have a nice cutting board or platterd to put everything on. If you don’t, a plate and a couple of small dishes will work just fine for a cheese platter. 

Spread the cheese and other additions out around the board. This will create visual interest and ensure people can easily pair things together.

3 Easy Holiday Cheeseboard Recipes

The Basics

A basic cheeseboard is quick and easy to put together, making it perfect for small get-togethers or as a last-minute dish. Keeping it basic doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun.

Why it works: The cheeses are tangy and sweet, and each has a fairly strong flavor. The diversity and stronger flavors help when pairings are somewhat minimal. Apple slices are both crunchy and sweet — sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Olives will add some saltiness without overpowering the cheeses, and you can grab Wheat Thins anywhere. They’re less crumbly than Triscuits.

The Festive

Why it works: There are lots of festive colors, namely red and green, in this spread. The cranberries and pomegranates are especially appropriate for the season.

The Smorgasbord

A large cheeseboard lets you get creative with unique variety. You can put together quite the smorgasbord of cheeses and pairings.

Why it works: This includes a large variety of familiar tastes and stronger tastes. Everyone will find something they like — and a few people will really like the more exotic items.

Create Cheeseboards This Holiday Season

Whether you’re hosting or going, prepare a cheeseboard for whatever holiday gathering you’re attending this season. Include a couple of goat cheeses, and that’s a good start toward a great board. Start off with the Humboldt Fog, and then add some others as your tastes guide you! There are plenty of goat cheese options here at Cypress Grove. Order online or use our store locator to get your hands on some today! Here’s to a happy — and cheese-filled — holiday season.

Don’t have time to make your own? Try one of our premade kits! We have kits for small and large gatherings. Order today!

If you’re looking for a delicious, shareable appetizer to delight and impress your guests, this prosciutto flatbread with goat cheese is perfect. Featuring Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog Aged Goat Cheese, this flatbread recipe balances creamy, tangy goat cheese, fresh sliced prosciutto and arugula, and a hint of sweetness from balsamic glaze. Ideal as the centerpiece appetizer at gatherings or for cozy nights at home, this flatbread is an easy, gourmet dish that’s sure to be a hit. The unique blend of goat and sheep flavors in the sheep and goat’s milk cheese provides a comforting depth during colder months.

Ingredients

You’ll Need:

Instructions

Step-By-Step Guide

  1. Preheat Your Oven
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This ensures your flatbreads will bake evenly and have a perfect, crispy base.
  2. Prepare the Flatbreads
    Arrange the naan flatbreads on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each flatbread with olive oil, adding a subtle richness that enhances each bite.
  3. Add the Goat Cheese
    Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the flatbreads. This type of cheese features a creamy texture melts beautifully, delivering tangy, herbaceous notes with each bite.
  4. Top with Prosciutto
    Layer the sliced prosciutto over the goat cheese, providing a salty counterpoint to the creamy cheese. This prosciutto and arugula pairing creates a balanced flavor profile that is both savory and refreshing.
  5. Bake
    Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges of the flatbread are golden brown and the cheese has softened. Watch closely for a perfect finish.
  6. Add Fresh Toppings
    Remove the flatbreads from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Top with fresh arugula for a peppery bite, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, adding a subtle hint of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
  7. Garnish and Serve
    For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes and add shaved Parmesan if desired. Slice the flatbreads into pieces and serve warm for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Elevate your flatbread recipe with these creative touches:

Why This Prosciutto Flatbread Makes the Perfect Appetizer

This prosciutto flatbread with goat cheese offers a gourmet taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for entertaining:

Final Thoughts on the Prosciutto Flatbread with Goat Cheese

This prosciutto flatbread with goat cheese combines simple, high-quality ingredients to create a memorable, delicious dish sure to please a crowd. Whether gathering with friends and family for the holidays or treating yourself to something special, this flatbread recipe is a versatile and reliable choice. The creamy texture of the goat cheese balances beautifully with the salty prosciutto, while fresh arugula adds a peppery bite, and the balsamic glaze provides just a touch of sweetness.

This appetizer is perfect for casual or formal gatherings, with its elegant appearance and gourmet flavors making it a standout on any appetizer table. For an extra festive touch, pair this flatbread with a light, crisp wine or a sparkling cider to complement the savory and creamy notes of the goat cheese and prosciutto. As an easy-to-prepare yet sophisticated flatbread recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite for holiday celebrations, special occasions, or cozy nights in.

The prosciutto and arugula topping make this a lighter choice than traditional or typical flatbread pizza while still offering an indulgent flavor experience. Add a few personal touches to your prosciutto flatbread, like toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, or your favorite Cypress Grove aged goat cheese to make the dish your own.

Ready to try Cypress Grove’s selection of gourmet cheeses? Find an array of aged and fresh goat cheeses on our website, or use our store locator to find a retailer near you.

 

We’ve partnered with Goldbelly!

To give you the best ordering experience possible, we’ve partnered with Goldbelly for all of your cheese needs. You’ll be able to order all of your Cypress Grove favorites via their website, and your order will still ship directly from our creamery.

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