If your favorite part of any restaurant is tearing into warm bread and dipping it into herb infused olive oil, these goat cheese balls are for you. Cream cheese and tangy goat cheese are blended with olive oil, Italian herbs, and marinated cranberries before being coated in a crunchy herb seasoning. Every bite is creamy, savory, herbaceous, and inspired by the classic bread dipping experience in an easy make ahead appetizer.

Featured Standouts

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil carries every herb throughout the cheese mixture while adding richness that recreates the signature flavor of restaurant style bread dipping oil.

Fresh Oregano

Fresh oregano brings a bright herbal note that makes every bite taste fresh and aromatic.

Herb Seasoning

A blend of rosemary, thyme, and other classic herbs creates the familiar savory flavor found in seasoned olive oil.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese adds a tangy finish that balances the richness of the cream cheese. Goat cheese adds flavor and lightness to this recipe. 

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST HERB, OIL & VIN GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Marinate the Cranberries

Allow the cranberries to soak in the olive oil, vinegar, and salt before mixing them into the cheese. This softens the fruit while infusing it with the herb flavors. Lightly mash the cranberries into the herbs before adding them to the cheese so the flavor spreads evenly throughout every bite.

Chill Before Rolling

Cold cheese is much easier to portion and shape, resulting in neat, uniform bites. Roll each cheese ball gently through the crunchy seasoning mixture until every side is completely covered for maximum texture.

Inclusive Adaptions

Limited Motor Skills 

Prepare the cheese as a spread in a bowl for easier handling if fine motor skills are limited.

Seed Swap

Replace the everything bagel seasoning with a simple mixture of dried herbs and poppy seeds if sesame is a concern.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Mixing bowl

Small bowl

Rubber spatula

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Sheet tray

Parchment paper

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

CUCUMBER VINAIGRETTE

SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP SALAD

CHEF’S SALAD + GOLDEN RANCH

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

GARDEN HUMMUS

CHOPPED CHERRY & SPINACH SALAD

BANH MI SANDWICHES

Recipe

Marissa Bolden

Herb, Oil & Vin Goat Cheese Balls

If your favorite part of any restaurant is tearing into warm bread and dipping it into herb infused olive oil, these goat cheese balls are for you. Cream cheese and tangy goat cheese are blended with olive oil, Italian herbs, and marinated cranberries before being coated in a crunchy herb seasoning. Every bite is creamy, savory, herbaceous, and inspired by the classic bread dipping experience in an easy make ahead appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 balls

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces cream cheese softened
• 4 ounces goat cheese softened
• Crunchy Outside
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Sheet tray
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Combine the dried cranberries, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Add the fresh oregano, dried dill, and Italian herb seasoning. Mash the cranberries into the herbs until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth.
4. Fold the cranberry herb mixture into the cheese until fully incorporated.
5. Scoop tablespoon portions onto a parchment lined sheet tray.
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
7. Mix together the poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, and Italian herb seasoning.
8. Roll each chilled cheese portion through the crunchy coating while shaping into a smooth ball.
9. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Let’s Stay Connected

I love seeing you make these recipes come to life! Tag me @twoandaknife or hashtag #twoandaknife so I can celebrate your kitchen wins. Don’t forget to follow for bold comfort food inspiration!