Chevre Goat Cheese Balls

If you're already a fan of cheese ball bites, then it won't take any convincing to give these Chevre Goat Cheese Balls a try. They're truly a dream come true! This cheese ball recipe has not only that classic tangy flavor we all expect, add in all the other spices and everything you thought you knew about cheese balls, just got thrown out the window!

Chevre Goat Cheese Balls

When I first sampled these Chevre goat cheese balls, it's like I had received a wonderful gift. At first, I wanted to keep these mini cheese balls all to myself. I would have been perfectly happy with my own plate to be savored and enjoyed. But sharing them turned out to be a lot more fun!  

These tiny cheese balls became the main topic of conversation. Given that it's all we talked about, I became really inspired to make my own. 

What I discovered is they're super cute and fun to make, but they do take a bit more time than the classic cheese ball recipe. That's because these cheese ball bites have to be created, one by one.

Let me tell you they're  worth every moment because each one is very special.  Just wait until you try one or two or all three. 

Since we're all in the baking and holiday making mood these days, consider this recipe a simple challenge to do. When it comes to making these goat cheese balls, presentation is key. These goat cheese balls are absolutely STUNNING!

One look at these mini cheese balls and you'll understand why they get all the attention. Tasting them is the real kicker though. 

What is the difference between goat cheese and Chevre?

There really is no difference. Literally it means the same thing. It's just saying it in different ways.

Here's the takeaway.  Chevre is a French word meaning "fresh." So this translates into the fact these cheese balls are made using fresh goat cheese versus using store bought goat cheese that's been sitting there for a while.

Can you make Goat Cheese Balls Ahead of Time?

Yes, you definitely can make this classic cheese ball recipe ahead of time. Stored in your fridge in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap covered with tinfoil, these delightful goat cheese balls will last a week up to 10 days. 

For best results, do your best to finish all of these mini cheese balls within this time frame, if possible.

How do I Store Chèvre Cheese Balls?

Since these tasty cheese ball bites are pretty much made to be served and enjoyed asap, store them in an airtight container and keep them cool. Several can be stored in the same container but give them space so they don't get squished.

Can you Freeze Goat Cheese Balls?

Any leftover mini goat cheese balls that won't get eaten within a week to 10 days, can be easily frozen.

For the most satisfying results, again, I urge you to eat these mini cheese balls within that 10 day period. 

The texture isn't quite the same after they've been frozen and thawed. Like most things, fresh is the way to go.  

Cream cheese contains a significant amount of moisture and when frozen ice crystals form. When thawed, cream cheese can separate and the texture can be grainy and dry. Not quite as smooth and creamy as it was when the mini goat cheese balls were fresh.

Dairy has a reputation for not freezing well. Even when packaged properly, it can cause problems. Do not freeze these mini cheese balls for more than two months and be sure and put a date on them so you'll know when they need to be used up.

If freezing these cheese balls, I highly recommend you do so without anything rolled on the outside of them, if at all possible.

The cinnamon sugar coating will hold up in the freezer, but the outer pecan coating can fall off and will soften after being frozen.

How to Freeze Goat Cheese Balls

Wrap mini goat cheese balls individually with plastic wrap and then in tinfoil. To protect their shape, place them either in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.

Nothing ruins your mini cheese balls faster than air inside the freezer resulting in freezer burn.

For best results, when getting ready to serve, add whatever coating you desire to the outside of each totally defrosted cheeseball. You'll be so glad you did it this way.

It's not a bad idea to make these goat cheese ball bites ahead if crunched for time. If freezing them, plan ahead and think about when they're need to be thawed out.

No one wants to be chowing down on a frozen cheese ball!

How do you Defrost a Cheese Ball?

Take cheese balls from freezer and remove foil and place inside fridge, on a plate, still covered in plastic wrap to prevent drying. About 24 hours should do it.

A large cheese ball can take up to 48 hours to fully defrost.

Using a toothpick, check to see if it slides in and out ok. When checking a larger cheeseball, you might want to use a skewer to ensure you make it to the middle of the cheeseball.

Never allow a cheeseball to thaw at room temperature or worse, inside a microwave. Both methods can render your cheese balls inedible and they may be unsafe to eat.

Once your cheese balls are totally defrosted, keep them inside the fridge until ready to serve. Or, if possible, roll or re-roll defrosted cheese balls in their gorgeous coatings before serving.

Taking this extra step is well worth the effort. You'll be glad you did.

How to tell if your cheese ball is bad?

Mold or discolored, unpleasant smell or flavor are reasons to not eat your cheese balls.

How long can you leave cheese balls at room temperature?

Dairy products, or in this case mini goat cheese balls, should never be left out for longer than two hours at room temperature because of contamination risk.

Is Chevre like cream cheese?

Similar in texture, but not necessarily in taste as this goat cheese appetizer has much more flavor than plain cream cheese. What they have in common is that both types of cheeses are creamy and easy to spread. That's a given.

What will I need to Complete this Classic Cheese Ball Recipe?

All you need for this classic cheese ball recipe are the simple ingredients and supplies listed below. For full measurements and directions, be sure and scroll down to the bottom for the complete recipe.

• Cream Cheese
• Chèvre Goat Cheese, or another goat cheese
• Honey
• Salt
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Cinnamon Sugar
• Pecans

Supplies

• Mixing Bowl
• Hand or Stand Mixer
• Spatula
• Baking Tray

Keep in mind this recipe is meant to serve a crowd so you're going to want to make at least 15 of these cheese balls for your family and friends! Cheese ball rounds are perfect for a fun holiday gathering.

Can I eat these warm or cold?

These gorgeous cheese balls are meant to be eaten cold, or at least chilled because the cheese is very soft. So heating them up is going to turn into a big ol' mess.

Leaving them out at room temperature is not a good idea because they need to be able to hold their shape and the longer they're out of the fridge, the softer they'll get.

Keep them in the fridge to stay nice and cool right up to the point of serving; then remove and eat. If there are any leftover, pop them right back in the fridge to be enjoyed later.

What if I don't like goat cheese?

Don't like goat cheese? No problem. Use mostly cream cheese and maybe a little feta or bleu (blue) cheese just to add a bit of a different flavor.

Be sure and adjust the ratios of both until you get them to taste just the way you like them!

What type of food items goes well with this simple appetizer?

These cheese balls are meant to be dipped! And there's no shortage of what you can serve them with:

• Crackers of all kinds
• Pita Chips
• Pretzels
• Cut up vegetables (celery, carrots, etc)
• Pickles
• Sliced Salami
• Fresh Fruit
• Bread

And the list goes on. These Chevre goat cheese balls are so compatible, the options are wide open. 

These mini cheese ball bites are also terrific all on their own as the taste can't be ignored.

The different outside coatings is what makes them stand out. Whether you have a craving for sweet, spicy or anything in between, these appetizers have you covered!

Ways to Enjoy These Cheese Balls

I'm all about these cheese balls through and through. Such a fun and simple snack, I can't begin to tell you. And don't be fooled for one second. I'd eat all 15 of these in a heartbeat if I could.

But, sharing is really what it's all about. Such a great time of year to share this recipe with family and friends. All you need to do is gather up these short list of ingredients and let the creations begin!

The fact it doesn't take that long to make this appetizer is a huge bonus! Yes, they take a little longer to make than a traditional cheese ball, but a much shorter time than other recipes out there.

And the end result? Well, let the pictures speak for themselves. 

These cheese balls are such a joy, I'm pretty sure the demand for them will be high. So why not have some fun creating this cheese spread recipe? This is one appetizer you're going to want to make over and over again. 

What To Serve With Chevre Goat Cheese Balls

Take a look at these delicious appetizers that you can serve with these cheese balls. They're all very good...

• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
• Perfect Meatballs
• Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites

For more options on what to include on your party platter, check out that link of super delicious and awesome finger foods. There's something there to please everyone's tastebuds...no matter how different they are!