Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log Appetizer

Name: Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 10 ounce goat cheese log; 0.5 cup dried cranberries; 0.5 cup toasted pecans; .33 cup salted, shelled pistachios; 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; assorted crackers for serving

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Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log appetizer is a delightful blend of creamy goat cheese, rolled in sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and the vibrant color of pistachios, complemented by the subtle sweetness of turbinado sugar and a hint of warmth from ground ginger.

For more simple appetizer options, check out these recipes too! Caprese bites, cranberry jalapeno salsa over cream cheese, bacon wrapped breadsticks, and puff pastry cranberry brie bites.

Cranberry pecan goat cheese log on a plate with assorted crackers.

This sweet and savory cheese log creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it the perfect party appetizer for the holiday season, and wine and cheese nights.

What is goat cheese?

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk. It has a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from cow’s milk cheeses. It has a tangy and earthy flavor. It can range from mild to strong, depending on factors such as the age of the cheese and the specific type of goat milk used.

Fresh goat cheese is soft, creamy, and spreadable, while aged varieties can be crumbly or firm.

Goat cheese is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be spread on crackers or bread, crumbled over salads, melted in pasta dishes, or incorporated into both sweet and savory recipes.

Ingredients

This cranberry goat cheese log uses simple ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to prepare, for a quick and easy appetizer recipe that will impress your guests without causing you any additional stress!

Goat Cheese: Creates the base of this simple appetizer.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the cheese, adding a burst of fruity flavor and a chewy texture.
Nuts: Crunchy pistachios and toasted pecans coat the outside of the goat cheese log, add a delightful nuttiness and a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Turbinado Sugar: A type of raw sugar that is minimally processed, and it is known for its larger, coarser crystals, light brown color, with a bit more flavor complexity than granulated sugar.
Ground Ginger: Has a warm, pungent, and slightly sweet flavor, and carries the characteristic ginger aroma, which is spicy and aromatic.

Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.

Tools used

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Food Processor
Measuring Cups & Measuring Spoons
Serving Plates – it comes in a set of three.

Cranberry pecan goat cheese log on an oval plate with crackers.

How to make cranberry goat cheese appetizer

Cranberry Nut Mixture: Place pecans, pistachios, cranberries, sugar, and ginger in the bowl of a food processor. Cover with lid and pulse until finely chopped together.

Chopped cranberries, pecans, pistachios, sugar and ginger in a food processor bowl.

Shape: Place the nut mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap on work surface. Place the goat cheese log on the edge of the cranberry mixture, lift the plastic wrap and roll to completely cover the entire surface.

A log of goat cheese on a bed of chopped cranberries, pecans, and pistachios.

Serve: At room temperature on a serving plate or as part of a cheese board with an assortment of your favorite crackers, sliced bread, or sliced fruits.

A cut cranberry pecan goat cheese log on an oval plate with crackers.

The red and green colors make it perfect for Christmas. The cranberries and nuts make it perfect for Thanksgiving, and it’s pretty enough for New Year’s! Personally, I think it would also be great for game days.

Cranberry pecan goat cheese spread on crackers sitting on an appetizer plate.

Expert Tips

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect holiday appetizer that will be a hit at your next Christmas party.

Chop into Small Pieces: For a more uniform coating, finely chop the cranberries, pecans and pistachios. It helps the mixture adhere better to the log.
Roll Gently: When rolling the log in the chopped cranberry-nut mixture, apply gentle pressure. You want it to stick but not crush the log. Pat the excess mixture over the cheese log to fill in any blank spots if needed.
Serve at the Right Temperature: Remove the log from the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before serving. It’s best served slightly chilled, but not too cold or it will be difficult to spread.
Presentation: For an elegant touch, you can garnish the log with fresh cranberries and sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese log recipe a day or two in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, or serve immediately.

FAQ’s

Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes, of course. The choice of nuts can add different flavors and textures to this delicious appetizer. Almonds offer a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Walnuts have a rich, earthy flavor and a slightly bitter edge. Hazelnuts bring a mild, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor to the mix.
Macadamia nuts are buttery and slightly sweet, and can add a tropical twist to your goat cheese log.

Can I make a different sized logs?

Absolutely! There is enough cranberry pecan mixture to coat three, 4-ounce cheese logs, or create mini goat cheese balls using two-teaspoons of cheese rolled into a ball. Gently press each ball in the chopped pecan mixture, and rolling to coat all sides. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour to help them hold there shape.

How do you store leftover cranberry pecan cheese log?

Leftovers should be placed it in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Freezing is generally not recommended for fresh goat cheese as it can alter the texture and affect the quality.

Can I anything to drizzle on cheese logs?

Yes! Drizzling something on a cheese log is the perfect way to enhance its flavor and take your festive holiday appetizer to the next level!
Honey complements the creamy texture of the goat cheese and adds a touch of natural sweetness. Choose a mild honey to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
A balsamic glaze adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the cheese log. It pairs well with both the goat cheese and the fruity or nutty components of the log.
For a subtle sweetness with a hint of caramelization, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the goats cheese log.

Recipe inspiration

Princess Cassi came home for Christmas and started telling me about all of the delicious foods that she has been eating in Florida. Florida is much more diverse than Iowa!

She created a holiday gift basket for her boyfriend’s parents that included a cranberry pecan goat cheese log, liver pâté, and crackers that sounded wonderful – so I had to recreate it!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls on Instagram & Facebook and leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!

Enjoy!!