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Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe

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This easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log combines creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios with warm herbs and spices. A beautiful, festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, and entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup shelled roasted, salted pistachios
  • 7–8 oz. goat cheese log or tub
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cranberry pistachio mixture, reserved for the cheese filling
  • Remaining cranberry pistachio mixture, for coating
  • Additional honey, for drizzling
  • Crackers, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add the fresh cranberries and pistachios to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped into small pieces, being careful not to over-process. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture for the cheese filling and set the remaining mixture aside for coating.
  2. Transfer the reserved 1/2 cup cranberry pistachio mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add the goat cheese, softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  3. Spoon the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a log, then wrap tightly in the plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, until slightly firm but still soft enough for the coating to adhere.
  4. Spread a large piece of parchment paper on a clean countertop. Scatter the remaining cranberry pistachio mixture onto the parchment in an even layer, forming a rectangle slightly larger than the cheese log.
  5. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and place it along one edge of the coating mixture. Gently roll the log through the cranberry pistachio coating, pressing lightly to ensure the mixture adheres evenly to all sides.
  6. Transfer the coated cheese log to a serving platter. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  7. If refrigerated, remove the cheese log about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Drizzle generously with additional honey just before serving and accompany with your favorite crackers.

Notes

  • Do not over-process the cranberries and pistachios. Small, distinct pieces create the best texture and appearance.
  • Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy filling that mixes easily with the goat cheese.
  • The cheese log should be slightly firm after freezing but not completely frozen, allowing the coating to stick properly.
  • For the best flavor and texture, let the refrigerated cheese log rest at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
  • Drizzle with honey immediately before serving to preserve the colorful, crunchy coating.
  • Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, crostini, or fresh apple and pear slices.
  • Prepare the cheese log ahead of time and store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the honey drizzle just before serving.
  • For a different flavor, substitute chopped pecans or walnuts for the pistachios.
  • For a gluten-free appetizer, serve with certified gluten-free crackers.
  • Nutrition values are estimates per serving and exclude crackers and optional additional honey.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/easy-cranberry-pistachio-cheese-log-recipe/