Fabulous Hors d’Oeuvres: Lemon Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Balls
Holidays are meant for entertaining, and you can create your very own impromptu special occasion any weekend with easy to make lemon cheese balls. They’re delicious and fragrant, flavored with herbs and both lemon juice and zest, with a crunchy sweet coating of nuts and berries for a unique combination of tastes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 6 ounces soft goat cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic very finely minced
- 1 medium lemon zested & juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cup chopped toasted pistachios
Instructions
- Add the cheeses and butter to a large bowl. Beat together until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the basil, garlic, lemon juice and zest into the cheese mixture. Blend thoroughly.
- Flavor to taste with kosher salt and pepper.
Method #1
- Divide the mixture into two, and roll each into a ball.
- Place into a bowl and cover.
- Combine the dried cranberries and toasted pistachios on a baking dish, distributing each fairly evenly.
- Roll the cheese balls in the cranberry/pistachio mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or crisp bread.
Method #2
- Using a tablespoon, form the cheese mixture into small balls.
- Combine the dried cranberries and toasted pistachios on a baking dish, distributing each fairly evenly.
- Roll the cheese balls in the cranberry/pistachio mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Arrange individual cheese balls on a platter and skewer each with a toothpick. Serve with crackers, bread, or crisp bread.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
