Are you looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer to impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than these panko crusted goat cheese balls with cranberry dipping sauce. They are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce, making every bite a delight. These goat cheese balls are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are sure to be a hit at any party.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s festive and seasonal. The red and white colors of the cranberry sauce and the goat cheese balls make them ideal for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The cranberry sauce also adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the rich and savory cheese balls.
- It’s versatile and adaptable. You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can use any kind of cheese you like, such as cream cheese, feta, or blue cheese. You can also add some herbs, spices, or nuts to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture. You can make the cranberry sauce from scratch or use store-bought one. You can even swap the cranberry sauce for another fruit-based sauce, such as raspberry, cherry, or apricot.
- It’s easy and quick. You only need a few ingredients and a few steps to make these goat cheese balls. You can make the cheese mixture and the cranberry sauce in advance and refrigerate them until ready to use. You can also freeze the cheese balls before coating them with panko breadcrumbs and fry them when needed. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 oz (226 g) goat cheese, softened
- 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (25 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
- Oil, for frying
For the Cranberry Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Tools and Equipment
- A large bowl
- A small bowl
- A baking sheet
- A parchment paper
- A small saucepan
- A whisk
- A slotted spoon
- A paper towel
- A serving platter
- A small bowl or a ramekin
Recommended Products
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are light, airy, and crisp, making them ideal for coating and frying foods. They add a nice crunch and texture to the goat cheese balls.
- Goat Cheese: This soft and creamy cheese has a mild and tangy flavor that goes well with the cranberry sauce. It also melts beautifully when fried, creating a gooey and delicious filling for the cheese balls.
- Cranberry Juice: This juice is made from 100% cranberries, with no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors. It has a natural and refreshing taste that balances the richness of the cheese balls. It also provides some health benefits, such as antioxidants, vitamin C, and urinary tract support.
Time Required
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Mise en Place
- In a large bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and homogeneous.
- Shape the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. You should get about 20 balls.
- Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add to the cranberry mixture and whisk to combine. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a small bowl or a ramekin and let it cool slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each cheese ball with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place them back on the baking sheet and refrigerate for another 15 minutes to set the coating.
- Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cheese balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel and keep warm.
- Arrange the cheese balls on a serving platter and serve with the cranberry sauce. Enjoy!
Serving Instructions
- These goat cheese balls are best served hot, while the cheese is still melted and gooey. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature or cold, if you prefer.
- You can serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a light meal. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any festive occasion.
- You can also serve them with other dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
Plating and Garnishing
- To make the cheese balls look more appealing and appetizing, you can garnish them with some fresh parsley leaves, cranberries, or lemon wedges.
- You can also sprinkle some flaky sea salt or black pepper over the cheese balls for extra flavor and contrast.
- You can serve the cheese balls on a large platter or on individual plates, depending on your preference and the number of guests.
Tips and Notes
- To make the cheese balls easier to shape and coat, you can use a small cookie scoop or a melon baller to portion out the cheese mixture. You can also wet your hands slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- To make the cheese balls more uniform and round, you can roll them between your palms after coating them with the breadcrumbs.
- To make the cheese balls ahead of time, you can freeze them before frying. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or an airtight container. You can fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- To reheat the cheese balls, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and crisp. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but they will lose some of their crunchiness.
- To make the cranberry sauce ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month. You can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball with 1 tbsp (15 ml) of cranberry sauce
- Calories: 103
- Fat: 6.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
- Sodium: 104 mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Protein: 3.6 g
Disclaimer
- This recipe is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Please consult your doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes or following any specific diet plan.
- This recipe may contain allergens, such as dairy, gluten, and nuts. Please check the ingredients carefully and avoid them if you have any allergies or intolerances. You can also substitute or omit any ingredients that you are allergic or sensitive to.