Description

Discover the festive and easy-to-make Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log, a creamy and tangy appetizer blending cream cheese, goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pistachios. Perfect for holiday parties or last-minute entertaining, this colorful cheese log requires minimal preparation, offers versatile serving options, and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz goat cheese, softened

Mix-Ins

1/2 cup dried cranberries, divided
1/2 cup chopped pistachios, divided
1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Optional Additions

1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped

For Serving

Assorted crackers or sliced baguette

Instructions

Soften the Cheeses: Let the cream cheese and goat cheese sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until softened, making them easier to mix and shaping the cheese log smoother.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and goat cheese with honey or maple syrup until fully combined to enhance creaminess and add subtle sweetness.
Fold in Cranberries and Nuts: Gently stir in most of the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios, reserving some for coating the outside. Avoid overmixing to keep texture varied and appealing.
Shape the Cheese Log: Transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap, shaping it into a compact log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
Coat with Cranberries and Pistachios: Remove the chilled log from the fridge and unwrap it. Roll the log gently in the reserved cranberries and pistachios, pressing lightly to create a festive, colorful outer coating.

Notes

Always soften cheeses to room temperature to ensure smooth blending without lumps.
Chop nuts into medium to small pieces for better texture and adherence.
Choose fresh dried cranberries that are chewy rather than overly dry or hard for best flavor.
Wrap the cheese log tightly before chilling to help it hold shape and develop flavors.
Serve the cheese log chilled but not frozen; take it out 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (~1 oz)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cranberry cheese log, pistachio cheese log, holiday appetizer, easy cheese log, festive appetizer, no bake cheese recipe