Welcome to the delightful world of Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles, where each petite bite marries a harmonious blend of creamy cheeses, honey sweetness, and the perfect tangy note of cranberries with a crunchy pecan finish. These cheese truffles are crafted to be the centerpiece of any holiday gathering, evening soiree, or impromptu party. Not only do these no-cook treats tick all the boxes of flavor, they also embody simplicity and elegance, drawing complements and requests for the recipe wherever they make an appearance. If you’re seeking an appetizer that is not only visually stunning but also an absolute breeze to prepare, the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles are your answer. With their soft interior and crispy coating, they offer an irresistible combination of textures that tantalize the palate. These make-ahead delights, which require minimal preparation effort, ensure that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying what truly matters — the company of friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles
- No-cook Ease: Effortlessly prepare without the need for cooking equipment.
- Flavor Fusion: Experience a blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and nutty in every bite.
- Make-ahead Magic: Prep in advance and enjoy stress-free serving.
- Impressive Presentation: Delight guests with their colorful, festive appearance.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the creation of your delectable cheese truffles, ensuring your kitchen is ready and well-supplied is the first step towards culinary success. Begin by gathering your ingredients and measuring them out accurately; this will make the mixing process smooth and efficient. You’ll need a sturdy mixing bowl and either a hand mixer or a stand mixer to achieve a fluffy cheese combination. As you work with sticky cheese and honey, consider using a silicone spatula for easy folding. A small cookie scoop or a standard spoon can be used to portion the cheese mixture into consistent truffle sizes. For preparing the coating, lining a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface not only keeps things tidy but also aids in an even, mess-free rolling. Lastly, have an airtight container ready for chilling and storing your formed cheese truffles, ensuring they maintain their shape and freshness until serving time.
Ingredients
- 10 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 ½ cups finely diced pecans (divided)
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Cheeses
Combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients with ground cinnamon and honey until they reach a fluffy and smooth consistency. Incorporate ½ cup of finely diced pecans into the mixture, folding gently to ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Prep Coating
Lay parchment paper on a flat surface to prepare for coating. Mix the remaining pecans with the chopped dried cranberries and minced parsley. Spread this mixture evenly across the paper, creating a colorful and flavorful layer for rolling.
Step 3: Form Truffles
Scoop the cheese mixture in small dollops using a spoon or scoop, shaping them into uniform balls with your hands. Roll each cheese truffle in the prepared coating, ensuring to cover them fully with the cranberry, pecan, and parsley mix.
Step 4: Chill
Transfer the coated truffles into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. These can be prepared up to two days in advance to accommodate early preparation.
Step 5: Serve
When ready to serve, drizzle the truffles with a touch of honey to enhance sweetness and pair with your choice of crackers, crisp crostini, or simply toothpicks for a delightful self-serve snack.
Variations
- Protein: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a twist in flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add finely grated carrots or sliced green onions for added crunch and color.
- Spices: Substitute cinnamon with nutmeg or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- Room temperature cheeses ensure seamless mixing — take them out of the fridge an hour before you begin.
- For best sweetness control, adjust honey according to taste preference but reserve extra for serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect on a charcuterie board, paired with cured meats and pickled vegetables.
- Serve alongside a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage for a refined touch.
Tips
- If short on time, quick-chill truffles in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Vary the size of truffles to match the nature of your event — smaller for cocktail parties or larger for intimate dinners.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 190 per truffle
- Protein: 5g per truffle
- Sodium: 135mg per truffle
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheese mixture from sticking to my hands?
Keep your hands slightly damp with water or lightly coat them with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Can these truffles be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw before serving.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
Feta cheese can be a good alternative, though it may add a saltier flavor.
How far in advance can these be made?
You can prepare these truffles up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles provide an exquisite culinary experience with their unparalleled ease and delightful flavor profile. Whether you’re hosting a lavish event or simply seeking a fun, flavorful snack, these no-fuss cheese truffles deliver on all fronts. We invite you to try this recipe, share your results, and explore the exciting possibilities of flavor combinations with this versatile dish. Should you have any questions or discover a variation that works wonders, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and engage with fellow cheese enthusiasts. Let your creativity flow and watch as these truffles become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These delightful cheese truffles blend creamy cheeses, honey sweetness, and tangy cranberries with a crunchy pecan finish.
Ingredients
- 10 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 ½ cups finely diced pecans (divided)
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients with ground cinnamon and honey until they reach a fluffy and smooth consistency. Incorporate ½ cup of finely diced pecans into the mixture, folding gently to ensure even distribution.
- Lay parchment paper on a flat surface to prepare for coating. Mix the remaining pecans with the chopped dried cranberries and minced parsley. Spread this mixture evenly across the paper, creating a colorful and flavorful layer for rolling.
- Scoop the cheese mixture in small dollops using a spoon or scoop, shaping them into uniform balls with your hands. Roll each cheese truffle in the prepared coating, ensuring to cover them fully with the cranberry, pecan, and parsley mix.
- Transfer the coated truffles into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. These can be prepared up to two days in advance to accommodate early preparation.
- When ready to serve, drizzle the truffles with a touch of honey to enhance sweetness and pair with your choice of crackers, crisp crostini, or simply toothpicks for a delightful self-serve snack.
Notes
For best sweetness control, adjust honey according to taste preference but reserve extra for serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal per truffle
- Sodium: 135 mg per truffle
- Protein: 5 g per truffle