Description

This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is a festive and flavorful appetizer, combining creamy cream cheese and tangy goat cheese with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. Enhanced with a touch of honey and herbs, it’s an easy no-cook recipe perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Serve it rolled in extra cranberries and pistachios alongside crackers or fresh vegetables for an elegant and delicious starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz goat cheese, softened
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/3 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

Coating

Extra chopped dried cranberries
Extra chopped shelled pistachios

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Instructions

Combine the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth. Add the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, honey, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and rosemary if using. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, homogenous mixture.
Shape and Chill the Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, shape the mixture tightly into a log. Wrap the log securely and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Coat the Cheese Log: Just before serving, spread extra chopped cranberries and pistachios on a plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and gently roll it in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the cranberries and pistachios evenly all around the log.
Serve: Slice and serve the cheese log with an assortment of crackers, thinly sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks, providing a delightful and colorful appetizer for your guests.

Notes

This cheese log can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
For best taste and texture, remove the cheese log from the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Try substituting goat cheese with blue cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
If desired, toast the pistachios lightly before chopping for added depth of flavor.