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Smoked Goat Cheese Ball

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

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.

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
  1. 1
    Toast hazelnuts and chop medium-fine
  2. 2
    Chop fresh parsley and chives
  3. 3
    Mix hazelnuts, parsley, chives, and smoked paprika on plate, set aside
  4. 4
    In mixing bowl, combine cold-smoked goat cheese and shredded sharp cheddar
  5. 5
    Mix until well combined
  6. 6
    Lay out plastic wrap on counter
  7. 7
    Scoop cheese mixture onto center of plastic wrap
  8. 8
    Wrap and shape into a ball with hands
  9. 9
    Refrigerate wrapped ball for 15-20 minutes
  10. 10
    Unwrap chilled cheese ball
  11. 11
    Roll ball in hazelnut-herb mixture until completely coated
  12. 12
    Place on serving plate
  13. 13
    Refrigerate until serving (can be made 1 day ahead)
  14. 14
    Serve with crackers
Read it online: https://brinnerbites.com/recipe/smoked-goat-cheese-ball/