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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Blend softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar thoroughly, incorporating cranberries, pecans, honey, garlic powder, and salt until achieving a uniform, smooth mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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