Baked Goat Cheese and Cranberries Balls – Gluten Free

Baked Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberries is a delicious gluten free appetizer. Crunchy on the outside and creamy, studded with cranberries and flavor on the inside – baked goat cheese and cranberry balls are a must-try gluten-free appetizer.

Today, we will explore everything you need to know about these delectable warm cheese treats, from various flavors to an easy step-by-step guide to making them in your kitchen. 

FLAVOR AND TEXTURE OPTIONS FOR BAKED GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Gluten free baked goat cheese balls can be personalized with various ingredients to add layers of flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for additional ingredients you can incorporate:

Herbs and Spices:

Fresh Herbs: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill can add a burst of freshness.

Citrus Zest:

Grated lemon or orange zest can add a zesty and citrusy kick to balance the richness of the goat cheese.

Nuts:

Besides sesame seeds, you can experiment with nuts like chopped pecans, pistachios, or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Dried Fruits:

Replace the cranberries with chopped dried fruits like apricots, currants, or raisins to add a touch of sweetness and chewiness.

Cheese:

Mix different cheeses, such as gorgonzola or blue cheese, with goat cheese for a more complex flavor.

Bacon:

Everything is better with bacon! Crispy bacon bits can provide a smoky and savory flavor.

Seeds:

Replace sesame seeds with poppy or chopped sunflower seeds to add texture and a nutty flavor.

Balsamic Glaze:

Replace honey butter with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Chopped Olives:

Kalamata or green olives can add saltiness and flavor 

Truffle Oil:

A drizzle of truffle oil can impart a luxurious and earthy flavor.

The key is to balance the richness of the goat cheese with complementary ingredients that add depth of flavor and another texture to each bite.

Baked Goat Cheese and Cranberry Balls – A Warm Cheese Delight

Why Goat Cheese and Cranberries?

Creamy and Tangy Goat Cheese:

Goat cheese, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, adds a unique flavor to this appetizer. Its ability to balance creamy richness with fruit adds depth to each bite.

Dried Cranberries:

Cranberries add a touch of sweetness and chewiness, complimenting the smoothness of the goat cheese and elevate this gluten free appetizer to another level of deliciousness.

MAKING BAKED GLUTEN FREE GOAT CHEESE AND CRANBERRY BALLS AT HOME

You will need:

• Goat cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Herbs and spices
• Red onion
• Sesame seeds
• Gluten free breadcrumbs
• egg
• Honey 
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

PREPARATION

Combine goat cheese with cranberries, herbs and spices, sesame seeds, and red onion. Shape the mixture into balls, about the size of a walnut.

THE CRUNCHY COATING

Whisk egg with salt in a small bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with sesame seeds in another small bowl. Roll the balls in egg wash, then coat them with breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. Freeze the balls.

When ready, preheat the oven to 425 Fahrenheit and bake the balls for about 12 minutes, until golden.

Serve warm with a drizzle of warm honey butter and black pepper. YUM!

MAKE AHEAD APPETIZER

What I love about this gluten free appetizer recipe, you can prepare the balls and freeze them. When ready, bake as per directions. To freeze goat cheese balls, place them on a plate or cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Then, transfer into freezer bags. They will keep up to 4 weeks when frozen.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST BAKED GOAT CHEESE BALLS

1. Keep an eye on the goat cheese balls as they bake to prevent burning.
2. Do not overbake them, or the cheese will start melting
3. The goat cheese balls must be frozen before baking
4. Cooking times may vary, so adjust based on your oven and the size of the goat cheese balls.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Serve as an appetizer at gatherings or dinner parties.
• Arrange on a charcuterie board with gluten free crackers for a touch of elegance.
• Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling beverage.
• Serve on a bed of mixed greens or nutritious arugula for a bright color of refreshing green.
• Serve the baked goat cheese balls while they are still warm. 
• They are delicious on their own but exceptionally tasty with the warm honey butter.

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Gluten-Free Baked Yam Falafel

Very Best Gluten-Free Baked Meatballs

Salmon Pops With Piquant Dill Sauce

Gluten Free Spinach Balls

SUMMARY

Baked goat cheese and cranberry balls show how simple ingredients can be transformed into a gourmet gluten free appetizer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this is an easy appetizer recipe and a delicious warm cheese treat for dinner parties or snacks.