This herby, nutty and honey drizzled cheese ball is the perfect quick and easy appetizer for dinner parties, gatherings, and holidays! It’s absolutely delicious on some crackers, veggies, or fruit.
Creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and fragrant thyme all rolled up into a plump, round, delicious ball… crusted with chopped walnuts and drizzled with more honey… Mmmm… Need I say more?
This recipe is actually one that I have been really excited to share from earlier this year. It was a BIG hit at my baby girl’s birthday party and Thanksgiving, when we got to spend some time in California. It’s an appetizer EVERYONE loved and I know you will too!
Why I love this cheese ball
- Herby, creamy, and oh-so dreamy!
- Nutty and perfectly sweet
- Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep
- SUPER EASY to make
- A WOW-looking, fancy appetizer
- Pairs with so many delicious additions
What you will need
It’s quite a simple list! Gather together…
- Plain chèvre, or goat cheese
- Cream cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Pure local honey
- A little ground cinnamon (this adds some warmth and cozy-ness)
- Walnuts (for that beautiful nutty coat)
It’s so simple to make
Just be sure to let the goat cheese and cream cheese soften for about 30 minutes at room temperature so that it’s easier to mix, but not too soft.
Place your two types of cheese, thyme, honey, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix, mix, mix.
Shape the delicious mixture into a rough ball. It’s important to note that if you’re having trouble with shaping it (because the mixture is really soft), just chill it for an hour or so until it’s firmed up, and then proceed.
Sprinkle it ALL over with the chopped walnuts – press them in to completely cover the ball on all sides! Now pop it in the fridge to chill and firm up. Almost done!
To finish, just place the cheese ball on your serving platter, drizzle with honey, and surround it with some yummy cheese ball additions. Yumm! Bon appetit.
What should I serve with it?
This little guy can go with a lot of things.
- Your fave crackers
- Apples
- Asian pears
- Celery
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Pita chips
- Toasted bagels
- Toasted bread slices, or some crostini
Lots of choices here! Now you just need to pick your favorite vessel for this herby, creamy, sweet, and nutty little cheese ball. You can’t go wrong!
If you try it, I’d love to hear how your cheese ball turned out in the comments below 🙂
More Appetizer Ideas
- Easy Pico de Gallo – fresh, zesty, and so flavorful! Serve with tortilla chips for a super easy appetizer.
- Russian Blini (Crepes) – very delicious and absolutely a crowd-pleaser. So many ways to serve them!
Honey Walnut and Thyme Goat Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This honey, walnut, and thyme goat cheese ball is the perfect easy appetizer for dinner parties, gatherings, and holidays! Sweet, nutty, and herby – it’s absolutely delicious on some crackers, veggies, or fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 oz goat cheese log, chèvre, softened, 113 grams
- 4 oz regular cream cheese, softened, 113 grams
- 1 Tablespoon pure local honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, heaping, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnut halves, 60 grams
Instructions
- Allow the goat cheese and cream cheese to slightly soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Take the thyme leaves off stems and finely chop. Chop walnuts using a large chef’s knife until you have small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, chopped thyme, and cinnamon. Mix together with a fork until everything is combined. Shape the mixture into a rough ball.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a large plate. Carefully cover the ball with walnuts on all sides, pressing them in gently until you completely cover the ball. Chill the ball in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Carefully move the cheese ball to a serving platter and drizzle with honey. Serve with crackers, chopped veggies, and fruits. Enjoy!
Notes
- Before you begin, it’s best to leave the cheeses at room temperature just enough to soften, about 30 minutes. If you let it get too soft, it will be harder to shape.
- If your cheese ball is too soft when you’re trying to shape it, simply place it in the fridge to chill and firm up.
- The cheese ball can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Some delightful serving companions include – toasted bread, crackers, pita chips, chopped celery, bell peppers, apples, pears, etc!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
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