Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Holiday Appetizer (Print Version)
Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles are easy, no-bake appetizers. Creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans make a delightful holiday bite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Creamy Truffle Base
01 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 -
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
03 -
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
→ Festive Flavor Infusion
04 -
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
05 -
1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
06 -
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
07 -
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
08 -
1 teaspoon honey
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
Salt to taste
→ Crunchy Pecan & Cranberry Coating
11 -
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
12 -
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
13 -
Pinch of fresh rosemary, minced, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 4 ounces softened goat cheese, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Beat with an electric mixer or spatula until smooth and well combined, forming the creamy base for your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer.
02 -
Add 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries, 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans, 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest, 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
03 -
Cover the cheese mixture tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial to firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into perfect Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer later.
04 -
While the cheese mixture chills, prepare the coating. On a shallow plate or in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans and 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries. Stir them together well to create an even coating blend.
05 -
Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small spoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form small, uniform balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
06 -
Roll each cheese truffle in the pecan and cranberry coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer. Arrange the finished Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer on a serving platter and garnish with a pinch of fresh rosemary, minced.
# Notes:
01 -
For easier rolling, lightly dampen your hands with water before forming the truffles to prevent sticking.
02 -
Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
03 -
Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pistachios for the coating, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick.
04 -
Serve these festive truffles with crackers, crostini, or apple slices for a delightful texture contrast.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Mixing bowl
02 -
Spatula
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Sharp knife
06 -
Small plates or shallow bowls
07 -
Baking sheet
08 -
Parchment paper
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 89 kcal
Total Fat: 7 g
Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
Protein: 1 g