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
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and velvety.
- 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.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce and hot pepper jelly until beautifully combined.
- Once the cream cheese log has chilled, unwrap it and place it on a serving platter.
- Spoon the cranberry–hot pepper mixture over the top, letting it cascade naturally down the sides.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and fresh parsley for color, crunch, and a festive finish.
- Serve alongside crackers or sliced baguette and enjoy every creamy, sweet-spicy bite.
Notes
- Allowing the cream cheese to fully soften makes mixing easier and ensures a silky-smooth base.
- The log becomes easier to slice and spread after chilling, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.
- 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