Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log: A Delightful Appetizer

Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game? Allow me to introduce you to the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log—a delightful blend of earthy and sweet flavors, perfect for any gathering! This dish is creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a surefire hit at your next family gathering or festive party. Did you know that cheese logs are not only delicious, but they can also be made in minutes? Yes, you read that right! All you need is a bit of mixing and rolling, and voila!

What makes this cheese log stand out is its perfect combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a textural feast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing recipes like my Spinach and Artichoke Dip, you’ll definitely want to give this one a try! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delectable cheese treat that’s bound to be the star of your appetizer table!

What is Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log?

So, what’s the deal with the name “Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log”? It sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But don’t worry, there’s no forest needed to create this culinary delight! This showstopper is just a log of creamy cheese rolled in nuts and cranberries—easy peasy! Ever heard the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, this cheese log is no exception. Picture this: a cozy gathering, friends chatting, and this eye-catching log of cheese stealing the spotlight. It’s delicious, visually appealing, and who would refuse a slice? So why not give it a whirl? You might just find it becomes your new go-to appetizer at every gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

You might be wondering why you should whip up a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log, and let me tell you, it’s a fabulous choice! First, its main highlight is the harmonious combination of flavors; the creamy cheese pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the pecans, creating a perfect balance to tantalize your taste buds. Second, making it at home is a cost-saving alternative to buying pre-made cheese spreads, which can be pricey and without that homemade charm. Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it with an assortment of crackers, bread, or fruit, making it an entertaining success. If you love this, you may also enjoy my Easy Avocado Hummus, which shares that creamy goodness while providing a totally different flavor profile. So roll up your sleeves, gather that cream cheese, and let’s get making this festive treat!

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Quick Overview

Making a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is not only easy, but it’s also a perfect last-minute appetizer idea. With just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time, you can create a visually stunning dish that absolutely everyone will love. The best part? You can prep it in advance, meaning more time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Key Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

To create this delectable cheese log, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped)
• ½ cup pecans (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cranberries: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, making sure they’re well distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
3. Season: Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy, those flavors need to pop!
4. Shape the log: On a sheet of plastic wrap, scoop out the cheese mixture and shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. Prepare the topping: In a shallow plate, mix the chopped pecans and fresh parsley. If using, this addition adds a fresh touch.
6. Coat the log: Once the cheese log has firmed, unwrap it and roll it in the pecan mixture until evenly coated.
7. Serve: Place the log on a serving platter, surrounded by your choice of crackers or slices of bread.

What to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log With

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider offering a selection of crackers—those with an herb or garlic flavor will complement the cheese beautifully. Fresh fruits like apple slices or grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese log. If you want to add a special touch, a drizzle of honey can elevate the dish even further. Why not make a complete spread? Pair with some fresh veggies or a light salad to round out your appetizer offerings!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Creating the perfect Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is simple if you keep a few tips in mind. First, make sure your cream cheese is softened—this ensures a smoother mixture that’s easy to shape. Second, feel free to experiment with the nuts—walnuts or almonds can create a different, but equally delightful, flavor profile. Keep an eye on the chopping; you want the cranberries and pecans to be finely chopped for even distribution. And don’t skip the chilling part; a well-chilled log will hold its shape nicely when serving!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers, good news! The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log stores beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week, maintaining its deliciousness! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can also freeze the uncoated log; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving and coat it in the pecan mix just before guests arrive. So, no need to stress about leftovers—this dish is as good the next day!

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, why not whip up your very own Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log? It’s an easy, flavorful addition to any gathering, and your guests will rave about it! Unroll that apron, and let’s get started on this tasty treat today!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

A delightful blend of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect as a last-minute appetizer for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Party Food

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped Chop cranberries finely.

Coating and Seasoning

• ½ cup pecans, chopped Chop finely for even coating.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional) Adds a fresh touch.
• to taste salt and black pepper Season to taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
3. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
4. On a sheet of plastic wrap, scoop out the cheese mixture and shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. In a shallow plate, mix the chopped pecans and fresh parsley.
6. Once the cheese log has firmed, unwrap it and roll it in the pecan mixture until evenly coated.
7. Place the log on a serving platter, surrounded by your choice of crackers or slices of bread.

Notes

The cheese log can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen if coated later. Experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different flavors.