• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Homemade In The Kitchen

Small Batch Recipes and Recipes For Two

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

January 26, 2014

Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles

Little heavenly bites of Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles paired with Sauvignon Blanc will elevate your next tailgating party.


Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles

Are you guys ready for The Big Football Game coming up next weekend? To be honest, I don’t care about the game when the Steelers aren’t in it, but that doesn’t stop me from watching it (mainly for the commercials) and from making football party food. Of course you can’t have a party without drinks, including wine. Wine with football food?, you ask. Why yes you can, and it makes perfect sense. I’m excited to be partnering with Gallo Family Vineyards to bring you wine pairing ideas for The Big Game. Typically at parties, there’s usually a meat and cheese tray or a cheese ball. Cheese + wine is a no brainer. Because everyone’s plates are piled high with food, I wanted small bites of cheese (mini cheese balls, if you will), which is what inspired these Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles to pair with Gallo Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc.


Gallo Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Gallo Family Vineyards is a family-owned company who has been around for 80 years and still going strong. I first tasted their wine when I attended the Food and Wine Conference over the summer as they paired their wines with our Saturday night dinner. When I was asked to pair their wine for Game Day, I said yes because I was impressed with their product and hospitality, not only with the conference but also with the Sunday Supper family in general. They even celebrated Sunday Supper’s two year anniversary with us. Plus I got a letter in the mail, welcoming me to their family.


Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles

Goat cheese was the first cheese that popped into my mind because it’s one of my favorite cheeses. Named after the use of goat’s milk, it’s a bit tangy and almost like a savory cream cheese. I added bacon because you always need bacon at parties and rolled the truffles in pistachios that added a nice (and necessary) crunch. You can eat them as is or serve on crackers.


Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles

Now that I have my recipe, which wine pairs best with goat cheese? After some research (and a handy dandy wine pairing wheel Gallo Family mailed me), I learned that Sauvignon Blanc pairs best with soft creamy cheeses like goat cheese because the acidity in the wine matches the tangy acidity in the cheese. And I can’t go into much detail, but let’s say Pennsylvania really needs to update their alcohol laws. Fortunately, I tracked down my wine and got the party started. If you’re one of the lucky people to not live in PA, you can use Gallo Family Vineyard’s store locator.


Gallo Family Vineyards

To learn more about Gallo Family Vineyards, you can follow their social media accounts: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube


Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles
Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles

Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles

Yield: 18-20 mini cheese balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Little heavenly bites of Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles paired with Sauvignon Blanc will elevate your next tailgating party.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces creamy goat cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (roughly 3 slices cooked bacon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together goat cheese, bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Make roughly 1 inch balls with your hands or a cookie scoop.
  2. In a small bowl, add the pistachios. Roll each ball in the pistachios to coat then place on a plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Carla Cardello
 

If you liked these Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachio Truffles, you may also like these recipes from me:

  • Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball
  • Jalapeno Popper Dip
  • Jarlsberg Cheese Crackers

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.

Filed Under: Appetizers + Party Foods, Cheese Balls Tagged With: bacon, goat cheese, pistachio

Did you make my recipe?

Please let me know by sharing a photo in my private Facebook group or uploading and tagging me on Instagram using #HITKrecipes (Note: If your Instagram account is private, I won't be able to see your photo)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renee says

    January 26, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    What heavenly little bites for Game Day. Or any day as far as I’m concerned.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:30 PM

      An everyday treat!

      Reply
  2. Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says

    January 26, 2014 at 8:08 AM

    Such a creative combination of flavors…and no baking involved! Delicious!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:32 PM

      Yup so when the oven is hogged up with chicken wings and dips, you can still snack on these truffles ;)

      Reply
  3. Katie says

    January 26, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Cheese, please!!! I am always one of the people standing guard over the cheese offering at a party, so these sound right up my alley! I love anything with goat cheese, and it sounds perfect to pair with the sauvignon blanc!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:33 PM

      Can never get enough cheese (and wine)!

      Reply
  4. Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says

    January 26, 2014 at 8:56 AM

    Carla! Love that you made mini cheese balls?! Hello? Brilliant! and I also love watching the commercials. . I worked in advertising for about 12 years so love watching how so many companies and advertisers shell out millions and millions of dollars for :30 or :60! :P

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:36 PM

      I’m a video producer, so I sit there and try to figure out how they were all made ;)

      Reply
  5. Liz says

    January 26, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    SO easy, SO delicious! You’ve hit a home run with these wonderful savory truffles, Carla!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:37 PM

      Thanks Liz!

      Reply
  6. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

    January 26, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    Goat cheese + bacon + wine = a party!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:37 PM

      A fun party indeed!

      Reply
  7. Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says

    January 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    You are a genius! I love this combination. The wine pairing is spot on as well. Yumm-o!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:38 PM

      Thanks Shannon!

      Reply
  8. Family Foodie says

    January 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    Oh yes please! Cheese Bacon and Pistachio rolled into one…. wow!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:39 PM

      Can’t beat it ;)

      Reply
  9. Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

    January 26, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    Mmmm, Carla, everything is right about these! And goat cheese is one of my faves. Now you have me thinking of different combos to make more goat cheese truffles.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:43 PM

      Ooo I’d be interested to hear what combos you come up with!

      Reply
  10. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    January 26, 2014 at 10:13 AM

    OMG Carla I’m on my way over! I’ll bring more Gallo Sauvignon Blanc! ;)

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:44 PM

      Hurry! ;)

      Reply
  11. Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says

    January 26, 2014 at 10:25 AM

    Great flavor combo and it also looks so festive and pretty!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:45 PM

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply
  12. Susan says

    January 26, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    I have almost everything at home to make these but I don’t think it would be safe to leave me alone with a serving of them. hmmm perhaps next time Braden and I do a cheese and meat lunch!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:49 PM

      These truffles may be tiny, but they are mighty dangerous when it’s just you and them ;)

      Reply
  13. DB-The Foodie Stuntman @ Crazy Foodie Stunts says

    January 26, 2014 at 12:57 PM

    Finger food with bacon that pairs well with wine?! What’s not to like?

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:49 PM

      Bacon, wine, and cheese – what more can you want? ;)

      Reply
  14. The Wimpy Vegetarian says

    January 26, 2014 at 1:02 PM

    Fantastic party appetizer Carla! And perfect with Gallo’s Sauv Blanc. Steelers are my #1 team too, and then come the Niners from my adopted home, but sadly neither made it to the Super Bowl this year.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:50 PM

      Nope, the Steelers had quite a sad season. Hopefully next year!

      Reply
  15. Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says

    January 26, 2014 at 1:33 PM

    Wow… you know me and goats cheese! This sounds amazing

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:52 PM

      Go Team Goat Cheese!

      Reply
  16. Constance Smith (@FoodieArmyWife) says

    January 26, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    Oh yum, yum, yum! I love goat cheese and l love pistachios – what a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:53 PM

      Thanks :)

      Reply
  17. Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says

    January 26, 2014 at 5:04 PM

    As an only child who never learned to share (this isn’t really true, but that’s the stereotype), I kind of love that I could have my OWN cheeseball and not have to share with anyone. Because these look wayyyyy too good to share. I don’t pair pistachios with goat cheese enough, but it’s a great combo.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:54 PM

      I have an older brother and I still don’t like to share ;)

      Reply
  18. Alida says

    January 26, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    I love these savory little truffles. The goat cheese, bacon and pistachios sounds like such a tasty combination, perfectly paired with the Sauvignon Blanc!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:54 PM

      Thanks Alida!

      Reply
  19. Shaina says

    January 26, 2014 at 9:23 PM

    I love anything with goat cheese!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:55 PM

      Me too! My favorite cheese.

      Reply
  20. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    January 27, 2014 at 10:33 AM

    Wow, these look amazing. These would be gobbled up at my house.

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:55 PM

      Thanks Jennie!

      Reply
  21. Sylvia says

    January 27, 2014 at 10:43 AM

    This is like having a gourmet snack food that takes only minutes to prepare. I love it and can’t wait to try it. I’m not much for football, but I’ll do the food and watch commercials and half-time. LOL

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:57 PM

      A gourmet snack with protein and dairy, right?

      Reply
  22. Stacy says

    January 27, 2014 at 3:06 PM

    Finally, a savory truffle! You are my one true hero, Carla!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:59 PM

      Hey somebody had to make one ;)

      Reply
      • Marie says

        May 31, 2017 at 11:22 AM

        Hi need to know asap, are the pistachios roasted or not. Are they salted or unsalted. Can’t wait to try this.

        Reply
        • Carla says

          May 31, 2017 at 11:35 AM

          The pistachios were not roasted. I recommend using unsalted so you can control the salt level especially since there’s bacon, but if you do use salted, you can taste and make adjustments to the filling.

          Reply
  23. Shawn @ IWYD says

    January 27, 2014 at 6:21 PM

    I could see myself going to town on these! I love every ingredient in them! YUM!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 7:59 PM

      Thanks Shawn!

      Reply
  24. Anita at Hungry Couple says

    January 28, 2014 at 9:04 AM

    Let’s see – I love goat cheese, I love bacon and I love pistachios. Pretty sure I’ll love this recipe. :)

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 8:02 PM

      Check, check, and check! Sounds like you need this recipe asap.

      Reply
  25. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

    January 28, 2014 at 11:27 AM

    Oh yum three wonderful things all in one!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 8:03 PM

      The best (savory) trio ever!

      Reply
  26. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says

    January 28, 2014 at 4:48 PM

    Why we have never thought to combine pistachos with cheese before is beyond me. These sound fantastic!

    Reply
    • Carla says

      January 28, 2014 at 8:04 PM

      We need to pair them together more often, no?

      Reply
  27. Justine Kaitlyn @prettyinpistachio says

    February 3, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    Love your use of pistachios in this! I’ve done chocolate pistachio truffles in a similar method and they were so easy. The goat cheese combo sounds like an amazing combination that I will have to try out!!

    Reply
  28. Liz Darwin says

    December 28, 2015 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Carla came across your recipe on Pinterest and I was wondering how long could I keep them in the fridge before serving.

    Reply
  29. Liz Darwin says

    December 28, 2015 at 9:42 PM

    Hi Carla I have printed the recipe and saw where they can be made a few days ahead of time.
    cheers

    Reply
  30. Ash West @ The Delightful Home says

    February 7, 2017 at 2:34 PM

    Love goat cheese (and all things bacon!) The wine pairing looks delicious!

    Reply
  31. Mary Corbin says

    December 8, 2018 at 12:51 AM

    How many does this receipe make?

    Reply
    • Carla says

      December 8, 2018 at 11:15 AM

      Thanks for pointing this out! I recently switched recipe card plugins, which didn’t properly transfer all of the information. It makes about 18-20 mini cheese balls.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Nice To Meet You!
I’m Carla, a 30-some childfree woman from Pittsburgh, PA learning how to adult alone. I'm sharing recipes for two and small batch recipes made from scratch because not everybody cooks for a crowd.

Learn more →
Subscribe
Disclosures and Disclaimers

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe makes two mini chocolate cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with chocolate ganache and cherry pie filling. Last ...

Read More

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Cheesecake recipe makes two mini cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, and more! With Valentine's ...

Read More

Lasagna For Two

Lasagna For Two

Love lasagna but hate leftovers? Lasagna For Two baked in a loaf pan is a small baked pasta dish that makes only 4 slices. Made with a beef and ricotta cheese filling. Back in 2015, I posted my ...

Read More

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Cheesecakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust are easy individual cheesecakes baked in a muffin pan. Serve with cherry pie filling as a dessert for two. Continuing my cheesecake ...

Read More

Small Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is a chocolate dessert for two with an Oreo crust and homemade ganache. Since all of this month I brought you both ...

Read More

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? This 6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe is a creamy Thanksgiving dessert for two served with homemade whipped cream. Last week I mentioned not being able ...

Read More

Copyright© 2021 · Designed by Deluxe Designs

Footer

Stay Updated

Subscribe to new recipes via email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
© Homemade In The Kitchen. All images and content are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please link back to the post for the recipe. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me.
Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Private Policy

Latest Recipes

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe makes two mini chocolate cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with chocolate ganache and cherry pie filling. Last ...

Read More

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

4 Inch Cheesecake Recipe

Looking to bake cheesecake for two? This 4 Inch Cheesecake recipe makes two mini cheesecakes in springform pans. Garnish with cherry pie filling, strawberry sauce, and more! With Valentine's ...

Read More

Lasagna For Two

Lasagna For Two

Love lasagna but hate leftovers? Lasagna For Two baked in a loaf pan is a small baked pasta dish that makes only 4 slices. Made with a beef and ricotta cheese filling. Back in 2015, I posted my ...

Read More

Red Velvet Cupcakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are moist and delicious homemade cupcakes from scratch without a cake mix. Recipe makes 6 cupcakes. I’m backkkkk! Did you miss ...

Read More

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

6 Inch Gingerbread Cake

This small 6 Inch Gingerbread Cake recipe made from scratch without cake mix is a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Despite being under a stay at home advisory in ...

Read More

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes (Small Batch)

Dessert for two ideas for easy Mini Cheesecake Recipes made in a muffin pan. Small batch recipes make 6 mini cheesecakes. Once upon a time I used to be known as the Cheesecake Queen among my ...

Read More

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes

Mini Cheesecakes (Small Batch)

Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust are easy individual cheesecakes baked in a muffin pan. Serve with cherry pie filling as a dessert for two. Continuing my cheesecake ...

Read More

Small Chocolate Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? My 6 Inch Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is a chocolate dessert for two with an Oreo crust and homemade ganache. Since all of this month I brought you both ...

Read More

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe

6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

In the mood to bake a small cheesecake? This 6 Inch Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe is a creamy Thanksgiving dessert for two served with homemade whipped cream. Last week I mentioned not being able ...

Read More

Copyright© 2021 · Designed by Deluxe Designs