Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, then this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this flavorful combo of creamy cheese, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries comes together into a beautiful log that’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even a simple weekend snack. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that this combination of creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crunchy pecans, fresh chives, and sweet dried cranberries works beautifully. The blend of textures and flavors is what makes the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe so irresistible, and I’ve included some tips to help you pick the best ingredients.

• Full fat cream cheese: It’s the perfect base – creamy and tangy, giving structure without being too soft or too firm.
• Dried cranberries: Adds a lovely tart sweetness; roughly chopping them helps distribute their flavor evenly.
• Pecans: I always roast mine lightly to bring out the nuttiness, then roughly chop for that satisfying crunch.
• Mature/sharp cheddar cheese: Grated cheese brings depth with a bit of bite that complements the cream cheese base.
• Chives: Freshly diced chives give a mild oniony note and gorgeous specks of green.

Variations

I love making this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe my own by playing around with nuts and dried fruit. It’s one of those recipes where a little swap here and there keeps it exciting — and just as delicious.

• Nut swap: My personal favorite swap is walnuts for pecans, which adds a slightly woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
• Cheese changes: I’ve even tried mixing in goat cheese with cream cheese for a tangier, creamier texture—if you love goat cheese, definitely give it a shot!
• Dried fruit alternatives: Dried cherries or apricots can be fantastic substitutes if you want to switch up the fruity note without losing that sweet-tart balance.
• Herb additions: Sometimes I add a bit of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to bump up the herbaceous flavor profile for a more savory edge.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

Step 1: Prep your mix-ins

Start by roughly chopping your pecans and dried cranberries, then finely dice the chives. Combining these three upfront makes mixing easier later. I like to toast my pecans lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their flavor—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 2: Combine cheese and half the pecan mix

In a large bowl, add your full-fat cream cheese and grated sharp cheddar. Use a spatula to mix them well, then fold in half of your pecan, cranberry, and chive mixture. This blend inside the log means every slice gets a bit of nuttiness and tartness.

Step 3: Shape it into a log

Lay out a large piece of cling film. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape it roughly into a log. Then wrap the cling film tightly around it, twisting the ends to seal. I like to press and shape it firmly so it holds together well. Pop it in the fridge to firm up—minimum an hour is best, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip resting and still get a decent shape.

Step 4: Roll in the remaining pecan mix and serve

When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese log and set it on a board covered in the reserved pecan, cranberry, and chive mix. Roll the log over the mixture, pressing gently so it sticks all around. This gives the outside a beautiful crunch and pop of color. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers and watch it disappear fast!

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love garnishing the board with a handful of whole pecans and a few extra dried cranberries scattered around. It adds a nice finishing touch and invites guests to nibble beyond the cheese log itself. Fresh chive sprigs also look lovely and tie the flavors together visually.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log pairs wonderfully with assorted crackers, crusty baguette slices, or even crunchy vegetables like celery and cucumber. When I’ve served it at parties, I also like to include a small bowl of fig jam or honey on the side for guests who want to add a sweet drizzle.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to elevate this recipe is to create a festive cheese board around the log – with seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, and pomegranate seeds, plus a sprinkle of edible flowers if I have them. For a holiday party, I’ve rolled the log in crushed candied pecans for extra sparkle and sweetness, and trust me — it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is assembled, you can wrap it tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. I’ve kept leftovers fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually tend to deepen a bit overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving again, so it’s creamy and easy to spread.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this cheese log because the texture of cream cheese can get a little grainy after thawing, but if you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the mixed cheese before shaping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then form the log fresh for best results.

Reheating

This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want it softer, just remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let it soften naturally.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe holds a special place in my recipe arsenal because it’s as easy as it is impressive. I used to struggle with finding quick appetizers that feel fancy but don’t require a ton of effort, and this one checks all the boxes. I really hope you give it a try—I promise you’ll love how beautiful and tasty it looks on the table, and your guests will be asking for the recipe in no time. Whip one up for your next gathering, and enjoy the happy smiles that come with it!

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