This Cranberry and Pistachio Goat Cheese Ball is an easy, make-ahead appetizer that’s perfect for holidays. It combines soft goat cheese and cream cheese with dried cranberries, salted pistachios, finely diced onion, lemon and fresh parsley for a bright, festive flavor.

Cheese balls are a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering. This Cranberry and Pistachio Goat’s Cheese Ball brightens a charcuterie board, makes a pretty centerpiece and pairs well with crackers, bruschetta or raw vegetables.

Why Make This Cheese Ball

• Easy to make – A short ingredient list and simple steps make this a quick appetizer to prepare.
• A pretty centerpiece – The colorful coating of pistachios and cranberries looks great on a board and draws attention to your spread.
• Make ahead – It firms up in the fridge and can be prepared in advance. Store uncoated and add the final coating just before serving for best texture.

Ingredients

• 8 oz soft goat cheese
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• Small bunch fresh parsley, about 2 tablespoons, finely chopped

REMEMBER: The full recipe and ingredient list are shown in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder and salt.
2. Use an electric mixer on high to beat the mixture until smooth, about one minute.
3. Fold in half of the chopped pistachios, half of the cranberries, the finely chopped onion and most of the parsley (reserve a small amount for the coating). Stir to combine. Shape the mixture into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for one hour to firm up.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining pistachios, cranberries and chopped parsley. Roll the chilled cheese ball in this coating until evenly covered.
5. Serve with crackers, breadsticks or crisp bread.

Tips for Making the Cranberry & Pistachio Goat Cheese Ball

• Refrigerate – Chilling the ball helps it firm up and hold its shape. For larger balls, shape, wrap and chill about an hour.
• Coat before serving – For the freshest texture, roll the ball in the pistachio-cranberry coating just before serving.
• Make ahead – You can prepare and store the cheese ball in the fridge up to a week in an airtight container or wrapped tightly. Add the coating when you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions

• Cheese – If you prefer, swap the goat or cream cheese for mascarpone, Brie or Camembert for a different texture and flavor.
• Nuts – Pistachios are traditional here, but chopped pecans, almonds, cashews or hazelnuts work well.
• Dried fruit – Use dried cranberries or other dried berries or fruit. Fresh berries are not recommended, as they add too much moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the recipe!

Cranberry and Pistachio Goat Cheese Ball

This Cranberry and Pistachio Goat Cheese Ball is a make-ahead holiday favorite: creamy cheeses mixed with dried cranberries, salted pistachios, lemon, onion and parsley.

Prep Time15 mins

Chill Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 15 mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: North American

Keyword: cranberries, goat cheese, pistachios

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 119 kcal

Ingredients

• 8 oz goat cheese, soft
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 Cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 Cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• Small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

• In a large bowl combine goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder and salt.
• Mix on high with an electric mixer until smooth, about one minute.
• Add half the pistachios, half the cranberries, the onion and most of the parsley. Stir, form into a ball, wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
• Combine the remaining pistachios, cranberries and parsley. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated.
• Serve with crackers, breadsticks or crisp bread.

*Note: Times are approximate and may vary by appliance.

Nutrition Facts

Cranberry and Pistachio Goat Cheese Ball

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 119

Fat 9g

Carbohydrates 6g

Protein 5g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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