Zesty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe: A Holiday Delight

Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with tangy cranberry and rich pecan in this irresistible cheese log recipe.

Crafted for elegant gatherings and casual snacking, this appetizer promises a delightful flavor profile.

Soft cream cheese provides the perfect canvas for vibrant cranberries and crunchy pecans.

Holiday tables and potlucks come alive with this simple yet sophisticated spread.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that will impress guests.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer everyone will love.

Dive into this delectable cheese log and watch it become the star of your next celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, creamy foundation that binds all ingredients together, select full-fat version for richer texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and creates depth in cheese mixture, choose aged variety for more intense taste.

• Honey: Balances savory elements with subtle sweetness, opt for local raw honey for best flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces mild, aromatic kick without overwhelming other ingredients, ensure fresh and fragrant.
• Salt: Elevates and harmonizes overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Cranberries: Delivers tart burst and festive color, select dried cranberries for concentrated sweetness.
• Pecans: Contributes nutty crunch and rich earthy undertones, choose fresh, unsalted pecans for optimal flavor.
• Parsley: Provides fresh herbal note and visual appeal, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Gear Needed For Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Plastic wrap: Essential for shaping and chilling the cheese log.
• Shallow dish: Great for coating the log with cranberry-pecan mixture.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping nuts and cranberries.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient chopping.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning amounts.

How To Prepare Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Cheese Mixture Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and create a flavor explosion by blending cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle in honey and sprinkle garlic powder and salt for an irresistible taste adventure. Mix everything until it becomes a delightful, creamy masterpiece.

• Log Shaping Technique

Spread out plastic wrap and transform your cheese mixture into a gorgeous log. Use gentle hands to sculpt a smooth, elegant shape about the length of a standard ruler. Wrap tightly and let the log chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to firm up.

• Crunchy Exterior Preparation

Create a tantalizing coating by chopping cranberries and pecans into tiny, delicate pieces. This will give your cheese log a beautiful, textured exterior that adds crunch and visual appeal.

• Coating Adventure

Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it gracefully through the cranberry-pecan mixture. Press gently to ensure every inch gets covered in the delicious, nutty coating.

• Serving Celebration

Transfer your masterpiece to a beautiful serving plate. Surround it with crispy crackers, salty pretzels, or soft bread slices. Watch as guests marvel at your culinary creation and dig in with enthusiasm.

Tips To Dress Up Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Perfect Cheese Log Secrets
• Softening Hack: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure ultra-smooth blending and easier handling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese log up to 3 days in advance, storing wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save party prep time.
• Coating Crunch: Toast pecans lightly before chopping to unlock deeper, nuttier flavors and add extra crispness to the exterior coating.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace traditional crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or vegetable sticks for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the recipe's delicious appeal.
• Spice Variation: Swap garlic powder with smoked paprika or add finely chopped fresh rosemary for a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the cheese log's taste complexity.

Serving Style For Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the cheese log as the centerpiece, surrounded by an assortment of crispy crackers, rustic bread slices, and crunchy pretzels for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Holiday Charcuterie Companion: Pair the cheese log with other festive elements like dried fruits, honey drizzle, and various nuts to create a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board that will impress guests.
• Elegant Brunch Accent: Slice the cheese log into thin rounds and serve alongside morning pastries, fresh fruit, and mimosas for a sophisticated brunch addition that adds a touch of gourmet flair.
• Cocktail Party Delight: Offer the cheese log with small spreading knives, allowing guests to create their own bite-sized appetizers during evening gatherings or wine nights.

Storage Instructions For Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the cheese log for 1-2 hours before serving to enhance flavor melding and firm up the texture perfectly.
• Smart Storage Solution: Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it sealed in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without losing its delicious taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheese log 2-3 days before your event, allowing flavors to develop and reducing last-minute preparation stress.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap the uncoated cheese log in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and roll in cranberry-pecan coating just before serving for maximum freshness.

Elegant Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry pecan cheese log delights guests with its festive blend of tangy and nutty flavors. Seasonal ingredients combine for an elegant appetizer that elevates any holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, finely chopped (for coating)
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries, finely chopped (for coating)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for color)
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare Base: Blend softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar thoroughly, incorporating cranberries, pecans, honey, garlic powder, and salt until achieving a uniform, smooth mixture.
2. Shape Log: Transfer cheese blend onto plastic wrap and mold into a compact cylindrical form approximately 6-8 inches long, ensuring even consistent shape and tight wrapping.
3. Chill and Develop Flavors: Refrigerate wrapped cheese log for minimum one hour, allowing ingredients to meld and texture to firm up, enhancing overall taste profile.
4. Create Coating: While log chills, finely chop fresh cranberries, toast pecans, and mince parsley to craft a textured, vibrant exterior garnish with complementary flavors and visual appeal.
5. Finish and Garnish: Unwrap chilled log and gently roll through prepared cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure complete and even coverage, creating a decorative and flavorful exterior.
6. Serve Elegantly: Present cheese log on a stylish platter alongside an assortment of crisp crackers, rustic pretzels, or artisan bread slices, inviting guests to enjoy this sophisticated appetizer.

Notes

• Ensure Cream Cheese Softness: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing for smoother, lump-free blending and easier manipulation.
• Perfect Toasting Technique: Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance nutty flavor without adding extra oil.
• Chill for Stability: Refrigerate the cheese log for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to help it hold its shape and allow flavors to meld completely.
• Coating Coverage Trick: Press the exterior garnish gently but firmly to ensure cranberries and pecans adhere completely, creating a uniform and visually appealing cheese log surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg