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Festive Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Log


  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Festive Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Log is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy all wrapped up in a gorgeous holiday-ready presentation. It’s the kind of appetizer that looks impressively elegant yet takes minimal effort, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or last-minute hosting. With its jewel-toned cranberry topping and crunchy pecan finish, every bite feels like a celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and velvety.
  2. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto plastic wrap and gently shape it into a neat log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so it can firm up.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce and hot pepper jelly until beautifully combined.
  4. Once the cream cheese log has chilled, unwrap it and place it on a serving platter.
  5. Spoon the cranberry–hot pepper mixture over the top, letting it cascade naturally down the sides.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and fresh parsley for color, crunch, and a festive finish.
  7. Serve alongside crackers or sliced baguette and enjoy every creamy, sweet-spicy bite.

Notes

  1. Allowing the cream cheese to fully soften makes mixing easier and ensures a silky-smooth base.
  2. The log becomes easier to slice and spread after chilling, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.
  3. If your cranberry sauce is extra chunky, lightly mash it before mixing with the hot pepper jelly for a better topping texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-cook, chill and assemble
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ~1/8 log
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: ~10 g
  • Sodium: ~150 mg
  • Fat: ~16 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~14 g
  • Fiber: ~1 g
  • Protein: ~3 g
  • Cholesterol: ~40 mg

Keywords: cream cheese log, cranberry pepper jelly, holiday appetizer, festive cheese log, easy party dip