This flavorful Cheese Ball Recipe is made with cream cheese, goat cheese, dried cherries, and pecans. Change around the dried fruit and nuts to make your perfect Cheese Ball!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Flavor and texture: This recipe is SO flavorful! Goat cheese and cream cheese add tang, honey adds sweetness, pecans add crunch, and dried cherries are sweet-tart and chewy!
Make ahead: This recipe needs to set in the fridge for several hours. I always it make it a full day before serving!
Make it your own: Change around the shredded cheese, herbs, nuts, and dried fruit to suit your taste!
Cheese ball recipe overview
*Full recipe below in recipe card*
Combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese and honey. I use a hand mixer to get it extra smooth and creamy.
Stir in dried cherries and pecans (or any dried fruit and nuts of your choice).
Place the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, wrap it up, and form it into a ball.
Refrigerate the cheese ball for several hours or overnight, until it’s firmed up.
Spread out chopped nuts, dried fruit and parsley on a flat surface. Place the cheese ball on top and press the dried fruit and nuts onto the top and sides of the cheese ball.
Flavor variations
You can easily swap around the dried fruits and nuts to change the flavors of this cheese ball. Instead of dried cherries and pecans, try one of these:
Dried apricots and toasted walnuts
Dried cranberries and pistachios
Dried blueberries and toasted hazelnuts
A combination of several dried fruits and nuts (use your favorites)
Recipe tips
Allow enough time to let the cheese ball firm up in the fridge. You will need at least 4 hours (after forming the cheese ball) to allow it to firm up before adding the toppings.
Use toasted nuts. Toasted nuts have way more flavor and crunch than raw nuts. Either buy nuts that are already toasted or toast them yourself in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Use candied nuts or salted nuts to make it sweet or salty. You can even use a combination of both!
I have served this cheese ball to people who claim to not like goat cheese, and they loved it! So, even if you’re not a fan, give it a try!
Recipe
Dried Cherry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to cool room temp
- 4 oz goat cheese
- ½ cup grated white cheddar, optional, I've made it with and without
- 1-2 tablespoons regular honey or hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 3 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans*
- 3 tablespoons dried cherries
- ⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans*, for the exterior
- ⅓ cup dried cherries, for the exterior
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- crackers, bread, fruit, for serving
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, goat cheese, grated white cheddar (if using), and honey beating until smooth and combined. Stir in 3 tablespoons each pecans and dried cherries.
- Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap, then bring the sides of the plastic up and over the cheese, forming it into a ball. Transfer to your refrigerator for at least 4 hours, until fully chilled and firmed up a bit (it will still be slightly soft).
- On a large plate, combine ⅓ cup each pecans and dried cherries, along with 1 teaspoon of parsley. Place the cheese ball on the plate and press the toppings into the sides and top of the cheese ball. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. I like to drizzle extra honey on top right before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
Teri says
This cheese ball is delicious! I’m not usually a fan of goat cheese but with this mixture of ingredients it is quite tasty!
Joan Lester says
I think I’ll make this cheese ball for New Years Day .Boy thats looks so yummy.
Allison says
Enjoy, Joan. Thanks for stopping by!