Name: Smoked Goat Cheese Ball
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 oz 2-3 sharp cheddar, cold smoked & shredded; 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper; 4 oz 4-6 hazelnuts, toasted and chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Assorted crackers

Smoked Goat Cheese Ball

This is a gourmet cheese ball featuring a blend of tangy goat cheese and sharp cheddar that has been cold-smoked, giving it a deep, mild smoky flavor. The cheeses are combined and then rolled in a mixture of toasted and chopped hazelnuts, fresh herbs (parsley and chives), and smoked paprika. The resulting dish is a creamy, spreadable appetizer that offers a delightful contrast in textures and a complex flavor profile: the tanginess of the goat cheese, the sharpness of the cheddar, the depth of smoke, and the satisfying crunch and nuttiness of the hazelnut and herb coating.

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Prep Time 30 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8 Best Season: Winter

Ingredients

1 log (8 oz)
2 oz 2-3 sharp cheddar, cold smoked & shredded
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
4 oz 4-6 hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Assorted crackers (for serving)

Instructions

Toast hazelnuts and chop medium-fine
Chop fresh parsley and chives
Mix hazelnuts, parsley, chives, and smoked paprika on plate, set aside
In mixing bowl, combine cold-smoked goat cheese and shredded sharp cheddar
Mix until well combined
Lay out plastic wrap on counter
Scoop cheese mixture onto center of plastic wrap
Wrap and shape into a ball with hands
Refrigerate wrapped ball for 15-20 minutes
Unwrap chilled cheese ball
Roll ball in hazelnut-herb mixture until completely coated
Place on serving plate
Refrigerate until serving (can be made 1 day ahead)
Serve with crackers

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Smoked Goat Cheese Ball