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
Scale
- 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