Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log combines rich, creamy cheese with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, looks stunning, and will be the star of any appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup (60g) pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Assorted crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the honey, orange zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in half of the chopped cranberries, half of the chopped pecans, and half of the chopped chives until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cheese Log:
- Place a large sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and shape it into a log approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long.
- Wrap the plastic tightly around the cheese log, twisting the ends to secure.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Coat the Cheese Log:
- In a shallow dish, combine the remaining chopped cranberries, pecans, and chives.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it in the cranberry-pecan-chive mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly on all sides.
- Serve:
- Place the cheese log on a serving platter.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers or sliced baguette.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider lightly toasting the pecans before chopping.
- This cheese log can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance; store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.