Hot Honey Goat Cheese Balls (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cheese Base

01 - 10 ounce goat cheese log (chèvre), at room temperature
02 - 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
03 - 2 tablespoons hot honey
04 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1 teaspoon finely minced jalapeño (optional for extra heat)

→ Coating Mixture

06 - 1¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
07 - ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
08 - ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

→ For Serving (Optional)

09 - Melba toast
10 - Water crackers
11 - Freshly baked crostini
12 - Additional hot honey for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, hot honey, ground cinnamon, and minced jalapeño (if using). Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 1 minute. You're looking for a smooth, well-integrated texture with no lumps. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in ¼ cup of the chopped toasted pecans and 2 tablespoons of the fresh parsley, distributing them evenly throughout the cheese mixture.
02 - Gather two small baking sheets. On the first baking sheet, combine the remaining toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley, mixing them thoroughly to create an evenly distributed coating mixture. The vibrant red cranberries and green parsley create a beautiful holiday color palette. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the cheese mixture onto the second baking sheet. Place this sheet in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or just until the cheese balls are firm enough to handle without losing their shape.
03 - Once the cheese mixture has firmed up, remove from the freezer. Working quickly with clean hands, gently roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls. Immediately roll each ball in the prepared pecan-cranberry-parsley mixture, applying light pressure to ensure the coating adheres evenly around the entire surface. Place the coated truffles back on the clean baking sheet, making sure they don't touch each other.
04 - Transfer the baking sheet with the completed truffles to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly until ready to serve. For the best flavor and texture, remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This allows the flavors to bloom and the texture to soften slightly. Arrange on a serving platter alongside melba toast, water crackers, or freshly baked crostini. For an elegant presentation, incorporate these festive truffles into a larger cheese board with complementary items like honey, fruit, and additional nuts.

# Notes:

01 - These festive goat cheese balls make a stunning appetizer for holiday gatherings with their ruby-red cranberries and emerald parsley coating.
02 - The combination of tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, spicy honey, and warm cinnamon creates a delightful sweet-savory-spicy flavor profile.
03 - These can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday entertaining.

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