Cranberry Nut Cheese Log

This easy Cranberry Nut Cheese Log is a crowd-pleasing, simple and quick appetizer to make. It’s loaded with the most delicious blend of fresh chives, dried cranberries, pecans, pistachios and sharp cheddar cheese. The sweet, salty, savory combination is the perfect match to create a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will want more of.

I have always gravitated toward cheese and crackers at any holiday party or family get together. There’s just something about the combo of crispy crackers with creamy cheese that just goes so well together. I love plain cheese and crackers, but a cheese log or cheese ball with the crackers? Now that is something I certainly can’t refuse.

This cranberry nut cheese log is loaded with a delicious combo of sweet dried cranberries and sweet buttery pecans with savory fresh chives, pistachios and sharp cheddar cheese. The crunchy texture from the nuts also really add to this cheese log. I paired this cheese log with homemade crackers that have a hint of fresh rosemary and sea salt and let me tell you…the cheese log AND the crackers didn’t last long.

I was inspired to create this cheese log because I thought it would make a great new year’s eve appetizer. Seriously, where did the past year go? Time just seems to fly by these days. I certainly plan to make this again for our New Year’s Eve appetizer. We don’t plan to do much for New Year’s this year.

It’s a bit different this year without my dad and we are still adjusting to the loss of him. It’s truly hard to believe last year we were making plans to go to my parents house for our New Year’s Day celebration, and that none of use knew in just a few months my dad would be diagnosed with terminal cancer. Make sure to always tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Anyways, this year, my day will be busy with my four kids, and my mom will be joining us which will be fun. I can’t wait to make this again so we can all enjoy it.

The details

If you love a recipe that is quick, easy and requires minimal prep work, this cheese log is seriously it! I love how simple it is to make, yet it dresses up your cheese and crackers appetizer.

The components

Okay, this cheese log basically has two components. The cheese itself, which is cream cheese, and the cranberry nut mixture.

The cheese

The cheese for this cheese log, as mentioned above is made of cream cheese. I had actually debated using goat cheese, and you certainly could. However, I wanted more of the creamy taste of the cream cheese.

Cranberry nut mixture

This cheese log is loaded with mix-ins, which makes it seriously delicious! Sweet dried cranberries and buttery pecans check the sweet boxes. Savory sharp cheddar cheese, pistachios, and chives fulfill the savory box. There’s also a hint of fresh parsley, garlic powder and onion powder in there, which adds extra depth of flavor to the cheese log.

Ingredients

• cream cheese
• fresh chives
• fresh parsley
• garlic powder
• white cheddar cheese
• pecans
• pistachios
• dried cranberries

Here’s how to make this cheese log

Seriously, this is so easy to make!

make the cranberry nut mixture

I like to start making this appetizer by mixing together the mix-ins/topping. So, add everything, EXCEPT the cream cheese to a large bowl and stir to combine.

reserve half the cranberry nut mixture for the topping

Pour half of the mixture onto your chopping board, a piece of parchment paper, or large, flat plate. This half of the mixture will be used to roll the cheese long into, so it’s best to have a flat surface.

add in the cream cheese

With the remaining half, in the large bowl, add softened cream cheese in. To soften the cream cheese, you can unwrap it, place it on a plate or in a bowl and zap it for 15-20 or so seconds. Stir together the softened cream cheese with the cranberry nut mixture.

wrap up the cheese log and freeze

Place the cream cheese mixture in a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap up, then roll into a log to your desired thickness. Place the wrapped cheese log in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or in the refrigerator for roughly an hour.

roll in the toppings

Once the cheese log has firmed up in the freezer slightly, roll it in the remaining half of the cranberry nut mixture, pressing the mixture into the cheese log if needed. You may have a few toppings leftover that didn’t completely stick.

serve and enjoy!

Now, it’s ready to serve and enjoy! I love pairing this cheese log with my homemade crackers. The crackers come together in roughly 30 minutes and the flavor is just absolutely delicious. If you aren’t serving immediately, just allow to come to room temperature 20-30 minutes prior to serving.

Storing leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Here are a few other appetizer ideas

• Homemade Crackers
• Taco Cups
• Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups
• Easy Soft Pretzel Bites

Let me know what you thought!

If you make this cranberry nut cheese log, let me know what you thought in the ratings and comments below. I absolutely love reading all of your comments! Also, make sure to snap a picture and tag me @simplebakingwithpep on instagram. It truly makes my day to see all of your wonderful creations.

I love making this cheese log for a Christmas appetizer, New Year’s eve appetizer, or just for any occasion when I need a quick, easy and delicious appetizer.

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