Description
Festive holiday gatherings sparkle with this creamy cranberry pecan cheese log, blending tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans into an irresistible appetizer. Guests will savor each elegant bite, making this simple recipe a perfect centerpiece for seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (30 grams) pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Gently blend softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, chopped cranberries, crushed pecans, honey, garlic powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients harmonize into a uniform mixture.
- Transfer the cheese blend onto plastic wrap, carefully molding it into an elongated cylindrical shape approximately 6-8 inches long, ensuring smooth, even surfaces.
- Securely encase the cheese log with plastic wrap, pressing and smoothing the exterior to create a compact, refined form.
- Refrigerate the wrapped cheese log for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the mixture to solidify and develop enhanced flavor profiles.
- While the log chills, prepare the exterior coating by finely dicing additional cranberries and pecans, and mincing fresh parsley for added texture and visual appeal.
- Remove the chilled cheese log from refrigeration and delicately roll its surface through the prepared cranberry-pecan-parsley mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure an even, adherent coating.
- Position the fully coated cheese log on an elegant serving platter, presenting it alongside crisp crackers, rustic pretzels, or artisan bread slices for a sophisticated appetizer experience.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing and easier blending of ingredients.
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cheese log.
- Finely chop cranberries and pecans for coating to create a more uniform and visually appealing exterior.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add unique flavor dimensions to the cheese mixture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level, keeping balance with savory cheese components.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg