Rosemary Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles - a super fun, easy, make ahead appetizer, perfect for topping a cracker, crostini or wedge of warm pita. Delicious!
6ouncesplain goat cheesesoftened for an hour at room temperature
4ouncescream cheesesoftened for an hour at room temperature
¾cupchopped pecans
1teaspoonextra virgin olive oil
1teaspoonhoney
½teaspoonSriracha
¼teaspoonkosher salt
2tablespoonscurrants*
2tablespoonsdried cranberries*
2tablespoonsgolden raisins*
1tablespoonfinely chopped fresh rosemary
3tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Combine softened goat cheese and cream cheese in a medium size bowl. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate for at least one hour or place mixture in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
While cheese is chilling, preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine pecans, oil, honey and Sriracha on the prepared pan. Bake for 3 minutes then remove pan from oven and stir well. Return to oven and bake another 3-5 minutes or until pecans are golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss and set aside to cool.
Combine cooled pecans, dried fruit, chopped rosemary and chopped parsley on a dinner plate. Set aside.
Scoop up 1 tablespoon size portions of the chilled cheese mixture** and roll into balls (the balls will be a bit sticky, but chilling helps make it less sticky). Drop the ball onto the plate with the pecan coating and gently roll the cheese ball around in the mixture, patting it into the cheese, until it is fully coated. At this point you can reshape your balls into nicer circles, if they have become misshapen. Place on a clean dinner plate and place in the refrigerator until 30 minutes prior to serving. Serve with crackers, crostini or pita wedges or on their own for a low carb appetizer.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Amy in the Kitchen Makes about 24 truffles * Use any combination of dried fruit that you like or all the same kind. Dried cherries are wonderful too! ** I use this cookie scoop for making the truffles. It makes the job really easy and the truffles all uniform size.