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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Pulverize dried cranberries and pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped, reserving half the mixture in a separate bowl for exterior coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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