A festive and flavorful appetizer that brings together creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and a touch of spicy pepper jelly. This colorful cheese log is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, guaranteed to steal the show at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup pepper jelly (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Add the flavor boosters:
Stir in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of pepper jelly. Mix until evenly blended. - Shape and chill:
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. - Coat with pecans:
Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to help them stick. - Finish and serve:
Warm the remaining pepper jelly slightly and drizzle it over the top (or serve on the side as a glaze or dipping sauce). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crackers, pretzel crisps, or baguette slices.
Variation
- Tropical Twist:
Swap cranberries for chopped dried mango or papaya for a sunshine-inspired version that pairs beautifully with the pineapple. - Spicy Southwest Version:
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and add a dash of cayenne for an extra kick. Serve with tortilla chips for a bold appetizer. - Nut-Free Option:
Skip the pecans and roll the cheese log in finely chopped parsley or crushed pretzels for texture without nuts. - Mini Cheese Bites:
Instead of one large log, shape the mixture into small balls, coat them with pecans, and serve as bite-sized party snacks. Perfect for portion control and mingling.
Cooking Notes
- Drain the pineapple well: Extra liquid can make the cheese log too soft. Place the crushed pineapple in a fine mesh sieve and press gently with a spoon to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Soften the cream cheese properly: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Use sharp cheddar for depth: The tangy sharpness balances the sweetness of pineapple and cranberries perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
- Festive Board Display: Arrange your cheese log on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs, grapes, and colorful crackers for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
- Warm Pepper Jelly Glaze: Just before serving, gently heat the pepper jelly and drizzle it over the top for a glossy, elegant finish that also enhances flavor.
- Pair with Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the sweet and savory balance beautifully.
Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the cheese log up to 3 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Add the pepper jelly drizzle right before serving for the best presentation.
- Adjust the heat: Pepper jelly comes in mild, medium, and hot varieties, so choose according to your crowd’s spice preference.
- Holiday sparkle: Sprinkle extra dried cranberries and pecan pieces over the top for a more decorative, festive look.
- Easy slicing: For clean, neat slices, chill the cheese log well and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approx. based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze the cheese log?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. - What can I use instead of pepper jelly?
Apricot preserves or cranberry chutney make great substitutes if pepper jelly isn’t available. - Can I make it into a cheese ball instead of a log?
Absolutely. Shape it into a round ball before chilling; it serves the same way and looks great on a platter. - How long will leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that captures the essence of the holidays with its sweet, savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Easy to prepare ahead and beautiful on any table, it’s the perfect party starter that invites guests to gather, snack, and celebrate the season in style.
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Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log with Pepper Jelly
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and flavorful appetizer that brings together creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and a touch of spicy pepper jelly. This colorful cheese log is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, guaranteed to steal the show at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup pepper jelly (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Add the flavor boosters:
Stir in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of pepper jelly. Mix until evenly blended. - Shape and chill:
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. - Coat with pecans:
Once chilled, unwrap the log and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to help them stick. - Finish and serve:
Warm the remaining pepper jelly slightly and drizzle it over the top (or serve on the side as a glaze or dipping sauce). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crackers, pretzel crisps, or baguette slices.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple well: Extra liquid can make the cheese log too soft. Place the crushed pineapple in a fine mesh sieve and press gently with a spoon to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Soften the cream cheese properly: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Use sharp cheddar for depth: The tangy sharpness balances the sweetness of pineapple and cranberries perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake, chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/10 of log)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: holiday cheese log, cranberry appetizer, pineapple cream cheese log, festive cheese ball, party appetizer, pepper jelly recipe