This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is the ultimate festive appetizer creamy, tangy, and delightfully sweet with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The combination of sharp cheddar, smooth cream cheese, tart cranberries, and buttery pecans makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort, this cheese log pairs wonderfully with crackers or slices of toasted baguette.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add chopped cranberries, pecans, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in honey for a hint of sweetness if desired. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log and wrap tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm and easy to slice.
- Before serving, roll the chilled log in extra chopped pecans for added texture, if desired.
- Slice into rounds and serve with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Variation
- Add a spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Use different nuts: Swap pecans for toasted walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor and texture twist.
- Try different cheeses: Use a mix of sharp white cheddar and goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile, or even pepper jack for extra zing.
- Make it mini: Instead of one large log, form smaller individual cheese balls perfect for easy serving and portion control at parties.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Chilling time is crucial it helps the flavors meld together and makes the log firm enough to slice cleanly.
- If you’re making it ahead, this cheese log can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic appetizer platter: Serve the cheese log on a wooden board with assorted crackers, grapes, apple slices, and prosciutto for a stunning presentation.
- Holiday centerpiece: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a festive touch that fits right into any holiday spread.
- Pair it with wine: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or sparkling wine to enhance the tangy, nutty notes of the cheese log.
Tips
- Chop ingredients finely: This ensures each bite has a balanced mix of cheese, nuts, and cranberries.
- Don’t skip the wrap: Rolling the cheese mixture tightly in plastic wrap helps it hold shape and prevents air pockets.
- Serve at room temperature: Let the cheese log sit out for about 15–20 minutes before serving so it’s perfectly spreadable and flavorful.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it up to 3 days in advance just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to serve. - Can I freeze the cheese log?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. - What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work beautifully just be sure to toast them slightly for extra flavor. - Is the honey necessary?
No, it’s optional! The cranberries already provide natural sweetness, but the honey adds a lovely glaze and smooth finish if you like a touch of sweet.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is a simple yet elegant appetizer that brings festive cheer to any table. With its creamy, tangy, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, gatherings, or cozy nights in. Slice, spread, and savor it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is the ultimate festive appetizer creamy, tangy, and delightfully sweet with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The combination of sharp cheddar, smooth cream cheese, tart cranberries, and buttery pecans makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort, this cheese log pairs wonderfully with crackers or slices of toasted baguette.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add chopped cranberries, pecans, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in honey for a hint of sweetness if desired. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log and wrap tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm and easy to slice.
- Before serving, roll the chilled log in extra chopped pecans for added texture, if desired.
- Slice into rounds and serve with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Chilling time is crucial it helps the flavors meld together and makes the log firm enough to slice cleanly.
- If you’re making it ahead, this cheese log can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake / Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese log
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: cranberry cheese log, festive cheese log, holiday appetizer, cranberry pecan appetizer, cheese ball