EASY CRANBERRY PISTACHIO CHEESE LOG
An Irresistible Holiday Treat: Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to dig into festive recipes that are both delicious and stress-free. Enter the Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log—a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. It’s a delightful combination of flavors that will leave your guests raving and make your hosting duties a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese log is everything you need for effortless entertaining. It’s visually stunning, with vibrant cranberries and green pistachios, and it can be made days in advance, freeing you from last-minute kitchen chaos. The blend of creamy goat cheese, honey, and spices wrapped in a nutty, fruity coating is a crowd-pleaser that will be the star of your appetizer table.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor
- Medium bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Cranberry Pistachio Coating
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup shelled roasted, salted pistachios
Cheese Log
- 7-8 oz. goat cheese log or tub
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 tsp EACH ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Pistachio Coating mixture (in directions)
Garnish
- Honey
Instructions
- Add cranberries and pistachios to your food processor and chop into small pieces (but don’t over-process). Remove ½ cup and add it to a medium bowl. Add all remaining Goat Cheese Log ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Add this cheese mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap, and form it into the shape of a log. Wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze for 20-30 minutes. The cheese log should be slightly firm so it holds its shape but is still soft enough for the coating to be pressed into it.
- Line the counter with a large piece of parchment paper. Add coating ingredients to the parchment and spread into a single layer square a little larger than the length of the cheese log. Add cheese log to the edge of the coating and roll in the coating until evenly coated, pressing the coating into the cheese so it sticks. The cheese log can be refrigerated at this point until ready to serve or served immediately.
- When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes beforehand so it can soften. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving. Serve with crackers.
Tips for Success
- Be sure not to over-process the cranberries and pistachios; you want small pieces but not a paste.
- Chilling the cheese log is crucial for it to hold its shape while rolling in the coating.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste or add a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Additional Tips and Variations
Consider adding dried apricots or figs to the coating mix for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to three days in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What can I serve with the cheese log?
It goes wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh fruits like apple slices or grapes.
Conclusion
With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, the Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is a must-try this holiday season. I invite you to make this delightful appetizer for your next gathering and enjoy the smiles and compliments that come your way. If you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience or any variations you made, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy entertaining!
