Zesty Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe for Holidays

Crafting a stunning appetizer takes skill, and this easy cranberry pistachio cheese log recipe delivers pure elegance.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios for a delightful flavor combination.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of creamy and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

The festive log looks impressive yet requires minimal effort to prepare.

Fresh herbs add a vibrant green accent that makes this appetizer pop on any holiday table.

Guests will be stunned by the sophisticated presentation and rich, complex flavors.

Serve this crowd-pleasing cheese log and watch your friends marvel at your culinary prowess.

Cheese Log Ingredients: Cranberry & Pistachio Edition

• Goat Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that provides the primary texture for the cheese log.
• Cream Cheese: Adds smoothness and helps bind the cheese mixture together.

• Honey: Brings a natural sweetness and helps balance the savory cheese flavors.

• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the cheese log.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that contribute earthy and herbaceous notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cranberries, Pistachios: Provide a crunchy texture, vibrant color, and nutty-tart flavor to the exterior of the cheese log.

Tools Needed for Cheese Log Assembly

• Food processor: Essential for chopping cranberries and pistachios finely and quickly.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing cheese ingredients and setting aside coating mixture.
• Plastic wrap: Helps shape the cheese log and keeps it compact during chilling.
• Parchment paper: Creates a clean surface for coating the cheese log with cranberry and pistachio mixture.
• Knife: Useful for spreading and pressing coating onto the cheese log.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

How to Put Together a Cheese Log with Ease

Step 1: Chop Cranberry Pistachio Mixture

Use a food processor to finely chop cranberries and pistachios.

Separate half a cup of the chopped mixture into a medium bowl, setting aside the remaining portion for later coating.

Step 2: Blend Cheese Ingredients

Combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and pepper with the reserved half cup of cranberry pistachio mixture.

Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Cheese Log

Place the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap.

Carefully mold the mixture into a log shape, wrapping it tightly.

Pop the wrapped log into the freezer for 20-30 minutes to help it firm up slightly.

Step 4: Create Crispy Exterior

Spread the remaining cranberry pistachio mixture onto a piece of parchment paper.

Gently roll the partially frozen cheese log over the mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Press the mixture firmly into the surface of the log to help it adhere.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Store the prepared cheese log in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Before presenting, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften.

Drizzle with a generous amount of honey and arrange with an assortment of crackers for a delightful appetizer.

Tips for Shaping the Perfect Cheese Log

• Make the cheese log up to 3 days in advance and store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining.
• Freeze the log briefly to help it hold shape and make coating easier without crumbling or falling apart.
• Toast pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty depth and add a subtle roasted undertone to the cheese log.
• Replace goat cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the recipe's creamy texture.
• Experiment with different ground spices like cardamom or nutmeg to create unique flavor variations that surprise your guests.

Cheese Log Variations for Any Gathering

• Vegan Nut Cheese Variation: Replace goat and cream cheese with cashew-based cheese, using nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Swap honey with maple syrup for plant-based sweetness.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute dried thyme and rosemary with fresh chopped oregano and basil. Add sun-dried tomatoes and za'atar spice blend to the coating mixture.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix finely diced jalapeños into the cheese base. Incorporate chili flakes into the cranberry pistachio coating for an extra kick.
• Low-Fat Alternative: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and goat cheese. Replace some nuts in the coating with pumpkin seeds for lower calorie content.

Serving Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log with Flair

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the cheese log on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh herb sprigs for an elegant presentation.
• Flavor Companions: Pair with fruity red wine, sparkling prosecco, or a crisp white wine to complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet honey notes.
• Appetizer Versatility: Serve as a stunning starter at holiday gatherings, game night, or casual weekend get-togethers with friends, guaranteeing a delightful conversation piece.
• Dipping Delights: Provide additional honey on the side, along with fig jam or apricot preserves, allowing guests to customize their tasting experience with complementary spreads.

Cheese Log Storage: Keep It Creamy

• Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Seal the cheese log in freezer-safe wrap or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its original taste and consistency.
• Let the cheese log sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently unwrap and allow natural softening. Drizzle with fresh honey to revive its moistness and enhance flavors.
• Remove from refrigerator, slice into rounds, and arrange on a serving platter. Pair with fresh crackers or crusty bread for a delightful appetizer experience.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this cheese log its unique flavor?

The combination of goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, ground ginger, cinnamon, thyme, and rosemary creates a complex and rich taste profile that balances sweet and savory notes.

• Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can use cream cheese or a soft feta as alternatives, but they will slightly change the overall flavor and texture of the cheese log.

• How long can I keep this cheese log before serving?

You can prepare the cheese log up to 2-3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften.

Why Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Steals the Show

• This cheese log delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The blend of goat cheese, cream cheese, and aromatic spices like ginger and thyme creates a sophisticated yet approachable taste that appeals to various palates.
• No advanced culinary skills required – even novice cooks can assemble this recipe with simple chopping and mixing steps, guaranteeing a professional-looking appetizer every single time.
• Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for spontaneous get-togethers, holiday parties, or casual weekend snacking.

Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry pistachio cheese log blends creamy goat cheese with festive holiday flavors. Tangy cheese and sweet-tart cranberries complement crunchy pistachios, offering you a delightful appetizer perfect for seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Base:

• 7–8 ounces (198–226 grams) goat cheese log or tub
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey

Spices and Herbs:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Cranberry Pistachio Coating:

• 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup shelled roasted salted pistachios
• 1/2 cup coating mixture

Garnish:

• honey

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Instructions

1. Pulverize dried cranberries and pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped, reserving half the mixture in a separate bowl for exterior coating.
2. Blend goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and pepper with the reserved cranberry pistachio mixture until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Use plastic wrap to shape the cheese mixture into a cylindrical log, ensuring tight wrapping. Chill in freezer for 20-30 minutes until slightly firm but not completely frozen.
4. Spread remaining cranberry pistachio mixture on parchment paper, creating an even layer. Carefully roll the chilled cheese log across the mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and uniform coating.
5. Store the prepared cheese log in refrigerator until serving time. Allow 15 minutes at room temperature before presentation to soften slightly. Finish by drizzling with additional honey and serve alongside crisp crackers for an elegant appetizer.

Notes

• Chop the cranberries and pistachios finely to ensure an even, smooth coating that adheres perfectly to the cheese log’s surface.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and goat cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture that blends seamlessly.
• Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness, keeping in mind the natural tartness of cranberries and the richness of goat cheese.
• For a gluten-free version, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like cucumber and carrot slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg