Festive snack balls with cheese, meats, nuts, and herbs; ideal for holiday charcuterie-style entertaining.
# Components:
→ Cheeses
01 - 4 ounces soft goat cheese
02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 3.5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
→ Meats
04 - 2.8 ounces prosciutto, finely chopped
05 - 2.8 ounces salami, finely chopped
→ Add-Ins
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, finely chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Coatings
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries
15 - 2 tablespoons finely crushed crackers (use gluten-free if desired)
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped chives
# Method Steps:
01 - Place goat cheese, cream cheese, and grated cheddar cheese in a medium mixing bowl, then mix with a rubber spatula or spoon until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
02 - Stir prosciutto, salami, fresh chives, dried cranberries, roasted pistachios, walnuts, Dijon mustard, and black pepper into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
03 - Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to firm it for shaping.
04 - Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, divide mixture into 24 even portions and roll each between your palms to form bite-sized balls.
05 - Roll each ball in your choice of parsley, pecans, cranberries, crushed crackers, or chives, coating completely.
06 - Set the finished snack balls on a platter or serving board and keep chilled until ready to serve.
