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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is a festive, no-cook appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or parties. It features a creamy blend of full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar combined with crunchy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and fresh chives. The cheese mixture is shaped into a log, chilled to firm up, then coated with a flavorful pecan and cranberry mixture, making for a deliciously textured, flavorful party treat served best with crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 250g / 9oz full fat Cream Cheese
  • 100g / 3.5oz Mature/Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup / 4 tbsp finely diced Chives

Coating and Mix-ins

  • 150g / 5.3oz Dried Cranberries, roughly diced
  • 125g / 4.4oz Pecans, roughly diced

Instructions

  1. Combine Mix-ins: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the roughly diced pecans, dried cranberries, and finely diced chives until evenly mixed.
  2. Mix Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the full-fat cream cheese and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to combine thoroughly with HALF of the pecan, cranberry, and chive mixture. Reserve the remaining half for coating.
  3. Shape the Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of cling film. Use the cling film to mold and tightly shape the mixture into a log. Wrap securely to hold its form.
  4. Chill to Set: Place the wrapped cheese log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up the texture. This step is optional if your mixture is already firm enough to hold its shape.
  5. Coat the Cheese Log: When ready to serve, spread the reserved pecan, cranberry, and chive mixture on a clean surface or chopping board. Unwrap the cheese log and roll it in the coating mixture to cover all sides completely, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Serve: Arrange the coated cheese log on a serving board alongside crackers. Enjoy your flavorful and festive appetizer!

Notes

  • Can I use different nuts? – Absolutely! Walnuts and pistachios are great alternatives that work well in this recipe.
  • Can I use different cheese? – Cream cheese is recommended due to its creamy texture. Adding goat cheese can introduce a different flavor profile if desired.
  • Can I substitute the cranberries? – Yes, other dried fruits that pair well with nuts can be used. Avoid fresh fruit as it will make the log too wet and difficult to shape.
  • Inspiration – This recipe is inspired by the GimmeDelicious cranberry pecan ball.
  • Calories – The calorie count is based on the entire log divided by 6 servings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of cheese log (approx. 100g)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Find it online: https://jessicasrecipes.com/cranberry-pecan-cheese-log-recipe/