Description
Creamy cranberry pecan cheese log delivers festive flavors with tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Elegant holiday appetizer perfect for gatherings, promising delightful textures you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheeses:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Nuts and Fruits:
- ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
- ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped (for coating)
- ¼ cup (30 grams) pecans, finely chopped (for coating)
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Craft a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture that incorporates cranberries, pecans, honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Transfer the mixed cheese blend onto a sheet of plastic wrap, using gentle hand motions to shape a compact cylindrical log approximately 6-8 inches in length.
- Carefully wrap the log tightly in plastic, smoothing the surface to create an even shape, then refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to allow the mixture to solidify and develop robust flavors.
- While the cheese log chills, prepare the exterior coating by finely chopping fresh cranberries, toasting pecans, and mincing parsley to create a vibrant, textured garnish.
- Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator and delicately roll it through the prepared cranberry-pecan mixture, applying light pressure to ensure an even, adherent coating that completely encases the cheese cylinder.
- Place the decorated cheese log on an elegant serving platter, accompanied by an assortment of crisp crackers, rustic pretzels, or thinly sliced artisan bread for guests to enjoy this delectable appetizer.
Notes
- Choose room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier blending of ingredients.
- Finely chop cranberries and pecans to create a more uniform and attractive coating that adheres better to the cheese log.
- Adjust honey quantity based on preferred sweetness level, using less for a more savory profile or more for a sweeter taste.
- Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cheese log’s overall taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg