Goat Cheese Truffles Recipe

Quick & Creamy Goat Cheese Truffles Recipe: A Bite-Sized Delight

Cranberry pecan goat cheese truffles represent a culinary marvel that redefines simple ingredients into an extraordinary bite-sized delight.

Small yet sophisticated, these elegant morsels dance between sweet and savory flavor profiles.

Creamy goat cheese provides a luxurious base that seamlessly embraces tart cranberries and rich, nutty pecans.

Each truffle offers a complex sensory experience that challenges traditional appetizer expectations.

Texturally complex and visually appealing, they blend rustic charm with refined technique.

These little gems pack remarkable depth into a compact form that surprises and delights guests.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with a recipe that promises to impress.

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles: A Savory, Sweet Delight

  • Whip Up Creamy Elegance: These truffles blend smooth goat cheese with rich cream cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Burst with Festive Flavors: Cranberries and pecans combine to deliver a perfect balance of sweet-tart and nutty notes, making these truffles a delightful flavor explosion.
  • Prep Like a Pro: With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal cooking skills required, these truffles are an effortless yet impressive appetizer that'll wow your guests at any gathering.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these truffles up to 3 days in advance, allowing you to stress less and enjoy more during entertaining season.

What You Need for Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

Cheese Base:
  • Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that forms the primary base of the truffles.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds smooth texture and helps bind the cheese mixture together.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps balance the goat cheeses tanginess.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, subtle spice to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Coating and Garnish:
  • Pecan Chips: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor for both filling and coating.
  • Dried Cranberries: Adds sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color to the truffles.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note and adds visual appeal to the coating.
Serving Accompaniments:
  • Crackers: Optional base for serving the truffles as an appetizer.
  • Crostini: Alternative serving option for presenting the cheese truffles.
  • Extra Honey: Optional drizzle for additional sweetness before serving.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

Step 1: Whip Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey until light and fluffy. Gently fold in of pecan chips.

Step 2: Prepare Coating

Spread parchment paper and combine:
  • Remaining pecan chips
  • Diced cranberries
  • Chopped parsley

Step 3: Shape Truffles

Use a large cookie scoop to form cheese balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the cranberry-pecan mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Chill and Store

Refrigerate truffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps flavors meld and firms up the texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, optionally drizzle with a light honey stream.

Tips for Perfecting Your Goat Cheese Truffles

  • Chill the Cheese Mixture: Refrigerate the goat cheese blend for 30 minutes before forming truffles to make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
  • Perfect Portion Control: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring consistent flavor and professional-looking appetizers.
  • Maximize Flavor Coating: Press the cranberry-pecan mixture gently but firmly onto the cheese balls to help ingredients adhere completely.
  • Make Ahead Advantage: Prepare truffles up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and reducing last-minute party prep stress.
  • Customize Texture: Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the truffle coating.

Storing Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover truffles in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. These delightful bites will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual truffles tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen truffles maintain their quality for up to 2 months, perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
  • Reheat: Let frozen truffles thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the container 15-20 minutes before serving to reach room temperature, ensuring the best texture and flavor. Gently drizzle with fresh honey right before serving to revive their appetizing appearance and taste.

Pair Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles with These Drinks

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet cranberries, cutting through the richness while highlighting the truffles' delicate flavors.
  • Match with Sparkling Moscato: The light, sweet bubbles of Moscato dance perfectly with the honey and pecan notes, creating a harmonious balance between the appetizer's creamy texture and fruity undertones.
  • Serve Alongside Rustic Bread: Toasted sourdough or hearty rye crackers provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth cheese truffles, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the appetizer with added textural excitement.
  • Complement with Prosecco: The dry, crisp Italian sparkling wine brings out the truffles' nutty and tart elements, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of these elegant cheese bites.

Fun Variations of Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

  • Herbal Fusion Truffles: Swap parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that adds earthy complexity to the cheese mixture.
  • Spicy Southwest Truffles: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños and replace honey with chipotle pepper for a bold, fiery kick that transforms the original recipe into a zesty appetizer.
  • Maple Walnut Alternative: Replace pecans and honey with toasted walnuts and pure maple syrup, creating a rich, autumnal flavor profile that complements the tangy goat cheese.
  • Citrus Zest Variation: Mix in orange or lemon zest to brighten the cheese blend, offering a fresh and vibrant taste that cuts through the creamy texture of the truffles.
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Goat Cheese Truffles Recipe

Goat Cheese Truffles Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles bring Mediterranean elegance to appetizer tables with minimal effort. Small cheese spheres packed with nutty pecans and tart cranberries create perfect party bites you’ll savor at first taste.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) goat cheese
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
  • 1½ cups (150 grams) pecan chips, divided
  • 1 cup (150 grams) diced dried cranberries

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) honey (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) cinnamon

Garnish:

  • ½ cup (30 grams) minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Combine soft goat cheese (226 grams/), cream cheese (113 grams/), ground cinnamon, and honey in a medium mixing bowl, whipping until smooth and light in texture.
  2. Gently incorporate of finely chopped pecans into the creamy cheese mixture, blending thoroughly without overmixing.
  3. Prepare a coating station by spreading the remaining pecan chips, finely diced cranberries, and minced fresh parsley onto a clean parchment paper surface.
  4. Utilize a large cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion uniform cheese balls, carefully rolling each sphere through the fruit and nut coating until completely covered.
  5. Delicately transfer the coated truffles onto a clean plate, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  6. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld together.
  7. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days before serving, and optionally drizzle with additional honey just before presenting.
  8. Arrange on a serving platter alongside crisp crackers, toasted crostini, or serve as elegant bite-sized appetizers for gatherings.

Notes

  • Prep these festive appetizers ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, perfect for holiday gatherings or spontaneous get-togethers.
  • Customize the truffle coating by experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
  • Store truffles in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture and keep the creamy cheese mixture intact.
  • Elevate the appetizer by toasting pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch to the coating.
  • Serve chilled for the best taste and texture, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Create uniform truffle sizes using a cookie scoop for a professional and consistent presentation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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