Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer combining creamy full-fat cream cheese, sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for gatherings, it offers a balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors wrapped in a visually appealing log that’s both delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 250g / 9oz full fat Cream Cheese
- 100g / 3.5oz Mature/Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
Coating & Mix-In
- 150g / 5.3oz Dried Cranberries, roughly diced
- 125g / 4.4oz Pecans, roughly diced
- 1/4 cup / 4 tbsp finely diced Chives
Instructions
- Combine pecans, cranberries, and chives: In a small mixing bowl, mix together the roughly diced pecans, dried cranberries, and finely diced chives thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Mix cheese and half pecan mix: In a large mixing bowl, add the full-fat cream cheese and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to blend in half of the pecan, cranberry, and chive mixture, combining until the mixture is consistent throughout.
- Shape the cheese log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of cling film. Mold it into a log shape by tightly wrapping the cling film around the mixture, ensuring it is compact and evenly shaped. This helps maintain the log form.
- Chill to firm up: Place the wrapped cheese log in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow it to firm up. If your mixture is already quite firm, you may skip this resting step.
- Coat the cheese log: Before serving, unwrap the chilled cheese log. Spread the remaining half of the pecan, cranberry, and chive mix evenly on a chopping board. Roll or press the cheese log in the coating mixture to cover it entirely, adding texture and flavor.
- Serve: Place the coated cheese log on a serving board alongside crackers or your preferred accompaniments. Enjoy this flavorful finger food at your gathering.
Notes
- This recipe requires only 5 simple ingredients, making preparation quick and hassle-free.
- The cheese log is an excellent crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Allowing the cheese log to chill helps it firm up for easier slicing and serving.
- You can prepare it a few hours in advance to save time on serving day.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 15.21 g
- Sodium: 277 mg
- Fat: 33.09 g
- Saturated Fat: 12.894 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16.607 g
- Trans Fat: 0.222 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.91 g
- Fiber: 2.7 g
- Protein: 8.58 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
