This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Packed with sharp cheddar, tangy pineapple, tart cranberries, and a crunchy pecan crust, it’s a festive appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or even crisp veggie sticks for a colorful and flavorful start to your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add crushed pineapple, chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape into a log.
- Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese log from the plastic and roll it in chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crackers or baguette slices.
Variations:
- Switch Up the Nuts: Don’t love pecans? Try chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor and texture. Toast them lightly to bring out even more nutty goodness.
- Add Heat: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely chopped jalapeños if your guests like a bit of spice.
- Use a Different Cheese Base: Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique twist. A little blue cheese can also add a nice bite if you enjoy bold flavors.
- Make It a Ball: Instead of a log, roll the mixture into a cheese ball for a fun, retro presentation. Serve it in a bowl surrounded by crackers for easy grazing.
- Herb It Up: Add fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, or thyme to the cheese mixture for extra freshness and color.
Cooking Notes:
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Too much moisture can make the log soggy. Press the crushed pineapple gently through a mesh sieve or paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- Softened Cream Cheese Is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and to get that smooth, creamy texture.
- Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It helps the flavors meld together and makes the log easier to handle and slice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with Assorted Crackers: Offer a variety whole grain, buttery, seeded, or gluten-free to suit every guest’s preference.
- Add a Cheese Board Spread: Surround the log with extras like grapes, apple slices, olives, cured meats, and more nuts for a full appetizer board.
- Holiday Garnish Touch: Tuck a few sprigs of rosemary, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds around the log on the platter for an extra festive presentation.
Tips:
- Make Ahead Friendly: This cheese log can be made up to 2–3 days in advance and stored wrapped in the fridge. Just roll in nuts and garnish before serving.
- Double the Batch for a Crowd: Hosting a big party? Double the ingredients and make two smaller logs instead of one large one more manageable for guests to serve themselves.
- Shape with Damp Hands: If the mixture is sticky while shaping, lightly dampen your hands to smooth and form the log without the mess.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per serving – based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the cheese log?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it (before rolling in nuts) for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then roll in nuts before serving. - What crackers pair best with this cheese log?
Buttery crackers, multigrain crisps, or sliced baguette all work wonderfully. Even pita chips or pretzel crisps make a nice pairing! - Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheddar. Be sure your substitutions are made for both taste and texture to match the original. - Is this cheese log gluten-free?
Yes, the log itself is gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if needed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing an appetizer to a potluck, or just looking for a festive snack to serve with drinks, this Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is sure to steal the show. It’s colorful, flavorful, and totally customizable making it a standout favorite year after year. Serve it chilled, slice it up, and let the compliments roll in!
Print
Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Packed with sharp cheddar, tangy pineapple, tart cranberries, and a crunchy pecan crust, it’s a festive appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or even crisp veggie sticks for a colorful and flavorful start to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add crushed pineapple, chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape into a log.
- Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese log from the plastic and roll it in chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crackers or baguette slices.
Notes
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Too much moisture can make the log soggy. Press the crushed pineapple gently through a mesh sieve or paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- Softened Cream Cheese Is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and to get that smooth, creamy texture.
- Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It helps the flavors meld together and makes the log easier to handle and slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~2 tablespoons (1/12th of log)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cheese log, holiday appetizer, cranberry cheese ball, pineapple cheese log, party appetizer, make-ahead appetizer