Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log-Easy Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 1 log
Ingredients: 250g full fat Cream Cheese, softened; 150g Dried Cranberries, roughly diced; 125g Pecans, roughly diced; 100g Mature/Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated; 1/4 cup finely diced Chives

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log. Ah, the mere mention of this delightful creation conjures images of festive gatherings, cozy holidays, and the undeniable joy of sharing something truly special. This isn’t just any appetizer; it’s a taste of pure celebration, a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that consistently steals the show. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or simply seeking to elevate a quiet evening, the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is your secret weapon. What makes it so universally adored? It’s the irresistible combination of creamy, tangy cheese, the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all rolled into an elegant, easy-to-handle log. It’s the kind of dish that makes people say, “Wow, you made this?” and then proceed to devour it in minutes. Get ready to impress your guests and indulge your own taste buds with this quintessential treat.

Ingredients:

250g / 9oz full fat Cream Cheese, softened
150g / 5.3oz Dried Cranberries, roughly diced
125g / 4.4oz Pecans, roughly diced
100g / 3.5oz Mature/Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
1/4 cup / 4 tbsp finely diced Chives

Preparing Your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

The foundation of our delicious Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is, of course, the cream cheese. It’s crucial that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smooth, homogenous mixture without any lumps. You can achieve this by leaving the cream cheese on your counter for about an hour, or by very carefully microwaving it in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting. We’re looking for a spreadable consistency, not a liquid.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place your softened cream cheese. Now, it’s time to add the flavor powerhouses. For the dried cranberries, a rough dice is perfect. This will give you delightful little bursts of tart sweetness throughout the log. If you prefer a finer texture or have larger dried cranberries, you can give them an extra chop. Next, for the pecans, the same principle applies – a roughly diced texture provides a satisfying crunch and nutty depth. Toasting your pecans lightly before dicing can elevate their flavor even further, bringing out their natural oils and a more intense nutty aroma. You can do this by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool completely before dicing.

Now, let’s introduce the cheese element. The mature or sharp cheddar cheese needs to be grated. A medium shred is ideal, as it will incorporate nicely into the cheese mixture without becoming overwhelming. The sharpness of the cheddar will cut through the richness of the cream cheese, adding a savory complexity that makes this log truly irresistible. Finally, we have our fresh chives. Finely dicing them ensures that their mild oniony flavor is evenly distributed and provides beautiful little flecks of green throughout the finished log.

Combining and Shaping the Log

Once all your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to bring them together. Add the diced dried cranberries, diced pecans, grated cheddar cheese, and finely diced chives directly into the bowl with the softened cream cheese.

Now, using a sturdy spatula or your hands (which are often the best tools for this kind of job!), begin to gently mix everything together. The goal here is to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some texture from the cranberries and pecans. Fold and press the ingredients together, ensuring no pockets of just cream cheese remain. You should aim for a cohesive mixture that holds its shape when pressed. Take your time with this step; the more evenly your ingredients are distributed, the better each bite of your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log will be.

Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape it. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a clean work surface. Scoop the entire cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap. Now, using the plastic wrap to help you, begin to form the mixture into a rustic log shape. You can gently press and roll it between your hands, using the plastic wrap to keep the shape tidy and contained. Aim for a cylinder that is roughly 6-8 inches long and about 2-3 inches in diameter. The plastic wrap will be your best friend here, helping you to achieve a neat shape and preventing the mixture from sticking to your hands. Once you have your desired log shape, twist the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to seal it, much like you would a candy wrapper. This will help the log maintain its form.

Chilling and Serving Your Cheese Log

For the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log to firm up properly and be easy to slice and serve, it needs a good chill. Carefully transfer the wrapped log to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, but ideally for 4 hours or even overnight. The longer it chills, the firmer it will become, making it much easier to handle and slice cleanly. This chilling period is essential for the flavors to meld together beautifully as well.

When you’re ready to serve your magnificent Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log, unwrap it from the plastic wrap. If you wish, you can roll the log in additional finely diced pecans or even some extra chopped chives for a decorative flourish before serving. A dusting of paprika can also add a lovely visual contrast.

Slice the cheese log into rounds, about 1/2 inch thick, using a sharp knife. For the cleanest slices, you can dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. Serve your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or even apple and pear slices for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This cheese log is perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as an elegant appetizer to impress your guests. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, and chewy bite!

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to create this delightful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log! This recipe is a fantastic addition to any gathering, offering a beautiful presentation and an explosion of complementary flavors. The sweet and tart cranberries, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the creamy, tangy cheese create a harmonious balance that’s utterly irresistible. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a go-to appetizer for both novice and experienced hosts.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or even apple and pear wedges. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could try adding a touch of orange zest for brightness, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Other nut options like walnuts or almonds would also work beautifully.

We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or simply a delicious treat for yourself. We’re confident that the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log will become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, we recommend making it at least a few hours, or even a day, in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious cheese log. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What if I’m not a fan of cranberries? Are there any substitutions?

Certainly! While cranberries offer a lovely tartness, you can experiment with other dried fruits like dried cherries or apricots. You could also try finely chopped dates for a sweeter profile. Just ensure they are chopped small enough to distribute evenly throughout the cheese log.