Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe: A Graceful Treat

Crafting the perfect holiday appetizer becomes effortless with this creamy cranberry pecan cheese log that blends tangy and rich flavors.

Soft cream cheese mingles with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a spread that delights every palate.

Each bite promises a delectable mix of textures and tastes sure to impress guests.

The combination of smooth cheese and nutty crunch offers a sophisticated twist on traditional appetizers.

Sharp cheddar adds depth and complexity to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Toasted pecans provide a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Serve this elegant cheese log at your next gathering, and watch as friends and family eagerly reach for another slice.

How to Wrap and Store the Cheese Log for Later

• Fridge-Fresh Flavor Strategy: Store the cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap inside an airtight container, keeping it fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Best enjoyed within the first 3 days for maximum taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheese log up to 2 days before your event. The flavors will actually deepen and blend more beautifully as they sit, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap the uncoated cheese log in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and coat with the cranberry-pecan mixture just before serving.
• Smart Serving Preparation: Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. This helps the flavors bloom and makes spreading easier on crackers or bread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

• Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, creamy foundation with rich tangy flavor, select full-fat version for best texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, bold taste and enhances overall cheese complexity, opt for aged variety for deeper flavor profile.

• Honey: Introduces gentle sweetness and helps bind ingredients, choose raw local honey for superior taste.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle savory undertone, ensure fresh and fragrant for maximum impact.
• Salt: Balances and elevates other ingredient flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Cranberries: Brings bright tartness and vibrant color, select dried cranberries for concentrated sweetness.
• Pecans: Contributes nutty crunch and earthy depth, choose fresh, whole pecans for best quality.
• Parsley: Optional herb that provides fresh green accent and visual appeal, pick bright green leaves.

Tools to Shape and Wrap This Cheese Log Just Right

• Mixing bowl: Large vessel for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Plastic wrap: Essential for shaping and wrapping the cheese log.
• Shallow dish or plate: Used for creating the coating mixture.
• Cheese grater: Needed for shredding cheddar cheese.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping cranberries and pecans.
• Sharp knife: Required for finely chopping ingredients.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing cheese and ingredients smoothly.
• Serving plate: For presenting the final cheese log.

How to Mix and Roll the Pecan-Cranberry Blend

• Blend Creamy Goodness

Mix softened cream cheese, cheddar, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl until everything blends smoothly and looks irresistible.

• Craft Delicious Log

Spread plastic wrap on the counter, transfer cheese mixture onto it, and shape into a nice log about 6-8 inches long. Wrap tightly and smooth out edges, ensuring a perfect cylindrical shape.

• Create Crunchy Coating

Chop extra cranberries and pecans finely, mixing them together to create a delectable exterior coating that will add texture and flavor to your cheese log.

• Transform and Decorate

Remove chilled log from refrigerator, unwrap carefully, and gently roll in the cranberry-pecan mixture. Press lightly to help coating stick completely, creating a gorgeous festive exterior.

• Serve and Enjoy

Place your stunning cheese log on a beautiful serving plate. Accompany with crispy crackers, pretzels, or fresh bread slices. Invite friends and watch them devour this delightful appetizer.

Tips for That Perfect-Crunchy Balance

• Ultimate Cheese Log Mastery: Pro Tips & Twists
• Softening Secrets: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending that creates a silky texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese log up to 3 days in advance and store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for stress-free party planning.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based or almond cream cheese for a delicious vegan alternative that maintains the rich, creamy profile.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped apricots or dried cherries to add unique flavor dimensions and colorful visual appeal.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick that elevates the entire appetizer experience.

Serve This Log at Your Next Gathering

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the cheese log on a rustic wooden board surrounded by various crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that screams holiday elegance.
• Appetizer Party Station: Create a DIY spread with the cheese log as the centerpiece, offering multiple dipping options like thin wheat crackers, multigrain crisps, and savory pretzel sticks for guests to enjoy.
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Complement the tangy cheese log with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the cranberry and pecan flavors, making it perfect for sophisticated gatherings.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Slice the cheese log into rounds and serve alongside fresh fruit, mini croissants, and a light mixed green salad for a delightful morning or midday meal that feels both gourmet and comforting.

Elegant Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry pecan cheese log blends tangy cream cheese with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. Festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings and elegant entertaining, promising rich flavor in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries, finely chopped for coating
• ¼ cup (30 g) pecans, finely chopped for coating
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for color)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly combine cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, pecans, honey, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until ingredients meld into a cohesive, smooth mixture.
2. Shaping: Use plastic wrap to carefully form the cheese mixture into a compact, cylindrical log (6-8 inches long), ensuring smooth and even surfaces while tightly sealing the wrap.
3. Chilling: Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least one hour, allowing flavors to intensify and mixture to firm up completely.
4. Coating: Finely chop additional cranberries, pecans, and parsley to create a textured exterior garnish.
5. Finishing: Unwrap the chilled log and gently roll its surface in the prepared cranberry-pecan-parsley mixture, pressing lightly to create an even, decorative coating that adheres completely.
6. Serving: Transfer the finished cheese log to a serving platter, accompanied by an assortment of crackers, pretzels, or bread slices for an elegant appetizer presentation.

Notes

• Soften Cheese Carefully: Allow cream cheese and cheddar to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending without overmixing.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat chopped cranberries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cheese log watery or losing structural integrity.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the log for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to achieve a firmer consistency that makes slicing and coating easier.
• Customize Coating Options: Experiment with alternative coating mixtures like chopped herbs, toasted seeds, or dried fruit to create unique flavor profiles and dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 197
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg