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Baked Goat Cheese Balls with Honey and Pecan Crust Recipe

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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 36 goat cheese balls (serves 12 as appetizer portions)

Description

These Baked Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese coated in a crispy panko and pecan crust, seasoned with thyme, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne. Perfectly baked to a golden brown and served with a drizzle of honey or honey-sriracha sauce, these bite-sized treats combine savory, nutty, and sweet flavors for an irresistible snack or party starter.

Ingredients

Goat Cheese Balls

  • 12 oz. cold goat cheese (3 logs of 4 oz. each)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup pecans, processed into coarse flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • Olive oil cooking spray

Sauce (Optional)

  • 1-2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ½ tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Pecan Flour: Place pecans into a food processor or coffee grinder and pulse until they become a coarse flour. Avoid over-processing to prevent turning them into butter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the pecan flour, fresh thyme, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
  4. Whisk Egg: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until fully combined with no visible egg white remaining. This will serve as the adhesive for the coating.
  5. Portion Goat Cheese: Cut each 4-ounce goat cheese log into 12 equal pieces, yielding approximately 36 pieces total.
  6. Form Balls: Roll each goat cheese piece gently between your hands to form smooth balls.
  7. Coat in Egg Wash and Panko Mixture: Dip each goat cheese ball into the whisked egg, allowing excess to drip off, then roll thoroughly in the panko and pecan mixture until completely coated.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated goat cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
  9. Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil cooking spray to ensure browning. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the coating turns golden brown.
  10. Serve with Honey Drizzle: Remove the baked goat cheese balls from the oven and, while still warm, drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of honey or a honey-sriracha mixture for a sweet-spicy kick. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Handling the goat cheese gently when rolling is key to maintain shape without squishing.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the cayenne or sriracha amount to taste.
  • Pecan flour adds a nutty crunch, but finely chopped pecans can be used as an alternative.
  • Use fresh thyme for better flavor; dried thyme can be substituted but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.
  • These balls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for the perfect contrast of creamy interior and crispy crust.
  • You can prepare the coating mixture and egg wash ahead to speed up assembly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/baked-goat-cheese-balls-with-honey-and-pecan-crust-recipe/