If you’re looking for a delightful and easy appetizer that never fails to impress, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log! This recipe is a cherished favorite of mine, perfect for any gathering—be it a cozy family dinner or a lively holiday party. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have a fantastic finger food that’s sure to be the star of the show.

What I love most about this cheese log is how versatile it is. You can whip it up in no time and serve it with crackers, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring together sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans makes this dish irresistible at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log in advance and simply chill it until you’re ready to serve.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies for a delightful snack that suits every palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this easy cheese log recipe, you won’t need anything fancy—just some wholesome staples that blend beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cheese Log

250g / 9oz full fat Cream Cheese
150g / 5.3oz Dried Cranberries, roughly diced
125g / 4.4oz Pecans, roughly diced
100g / 3.5oz Mature/Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
1/4 cup / 4 tbsp finely diced Chives

Variations

One of the best parts about making a cheese log is how flexible the recipe can be! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Add Some Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Mix in Other Nuts: Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with Herbs: Swap out chives for fresh dill or parsley for a refreshing twist.
Go Sweet: Add honey or maple syrup into the cream cheese mixture for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced pecans, dried cranberries, and chives. Mixing these ingredients first allows their flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a burst of taste when they coat the cheese log later.

Step 2: Mix the Cheeses

In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and grated cheddar. Use a spatula to blend these cheeses together smoothly before incorporating half of your pecan mixture. This step ensures every bite has that lovely balance of flavors.

Step 3: Shape Your Cheese Log

Transfer your creamy mixture onto a large sheet of cling film. With the cling film as your guide, mold the mixture into a log shape. It’s important to wrap it tightly so that it holds its form while chilling in the fridge—this helps maintain its shape when serving!

Step 4: Coat with Remaining Nut Mixture

When you’re ready to serve, spread out the remaining pecan mix on a chopping board. Unwrap your chilled cheese log and roll it in this mixture until it’s evenly coated. This gives it that beautiful texture and adds crunch!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, place your finished cheese log on a serving board alongside an array of crackers. Watch as friends and family gather around—it’s hard not to enjoy such deliciousness together! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Creating the perfect cranberry pecan cheese log is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delightful every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with cream cheese and cheddar at room temperature makes them easier to mix, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that binds well with the other ingredients.
Chop Ingredients Evenly: Dicing the cranberries and pecans uniformly allows for an even distribution of flavors in each bite, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Chill for Best Results: Allowing the cheese log to chill in the fridge before serving helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve while also enhancing the flavors as they meld together.
Use Fresh Chives: Fresh chives not only add a pop of color but also provide a subtle oniony flavor that complements the sweetness of cranberries beautifully.
Experiment with Additions: Feel free to customize your cheese log by adding herbs like dill or spices such as smoked paprika to give it a unique twist that suits your palate!

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Presenting your cranberry pecan cheese log beautifully can make all the difference at any gathering. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve this crowd-pleasing finger food.

Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh parsley or cilantro around the cheese log adds vibrant color and freshness, making your platter visually appealing.
Edible Flowers: Using edible flowers such as nasturtiums or violets can transform your dish into a stunning centerpiece, providing an elegant touch that’s sure to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Assorted Crackers: A variety of crispy crackers (like whole grain, rice, or herb-infused) offer different textures and flavors that pair perfectly with the creamy cheese log.
Vegetable Crudités: Fresh cut vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers not only add crunch but also provide a healthy contrast to the richness of the cheese log.
Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pears can complement the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, creating a delightful balance on your serving board.
Olives or Pickles: A small bowl of olives or pickles can add a briny contrast that elevates the taste experience and rounds out your appetizer spread nicely.

With these serving tips and suggestions, you’re all set to wow your guests with this delicious cranberry pecan cheese log! Enjoy every moment of sharing this delightful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time for parties or gatherings, ensuring that you have a delicious appetizer ready to go. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cheese log tightly in cling film or foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you notice any moisture, consider re-wrapping it to keep it fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cheese log securely in cling film and then in a layer of aluminum foil.
Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

This cheese log is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.
If you prefer it slightly softened, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log that might help you out!

Can I use different nuts for my Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just chop them roughly and follow the recipe as instructed.

How can I make my Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of dried cranberries used in your recipe or opt for unsweetened dried cranberries if available. This will balance the sweetness while keeping all the delicious flavors intact!

How long can I store my leftover Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log?

You can store your leftover cheese log wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy it with your favorite crackers or as a tasty addition to salads!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute full-fat cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use vegan cheddar cheese. This way, you’ll have a fabulous vegan version of the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log! It’s not just an easy recipe; it’s also a wonderful way to impress your friends and family at any gathering. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with different ingredients. Happy cooking!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log, a perfect appetizer that combines creamy cheese with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. This easy-to-make dish is sure to impress your guests at any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time! Serve it with an assortment of crackers or fresh veggies for a versatile snack that satisfies every palate.

Ingredients

Scale

250g full fat Cream Cheese
150g Dried Cranberries, roughly diced
125g Pecans, roughly diced
100g Mature Cheddar Cheese, grated
1/4 cup finely diced Chives

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine diced pecans, dried cranberries, and chives.
In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and grated cheddar until smooth. Mix in half of the pecan mixture.
Shape the mixture into a log using cling film for support and chill in the fridge.
Once chilled, roll the log in the remaining pecan mixture until evenly coated.
Serve with assorted crackers and enjoy!