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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting time)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is a delightful appetizer perfect for entertaining. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar combine for a rich, creamy base, studded with dried cranberries and pecans for a sweet-nutty crunch. Rolled into a neat log and coated with more pecans, it’s easy to prepare ahead and serve with crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 250g / 9oz full fat cream cheese
  • 100g / 3.5oz mature/sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Mix-ins & Coating

  • 150g / 5.3oz dried cranberries, roughly diced
  • 125g / 4.4oz pecans, roughly diced
  • 1/4 cup / 4 tbsp finely diced chives

Instructions

  1. Combine Nuts, Cranberries, and Chives: In a small mixing bowl, mix the roughly diced pecans, dried cranberries, and finely diced chives until evenly distributed.
  2. Mix Cheese and Half of Nut Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the full-fat cream cheese and grated sharp cheddar. Using a spatula, fold in half of the pecan, cranberry, and chive mixture until thoroughly combined.
  3. Shape the Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of cling film. Using the cling film to help, mold and tightly shape the mixture into a log form. Wrap securely and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the cheese to firm up and hold its shape. Resting can be skipped if the mixture is already firm.
  4. Coat the Cheese Log: When ready to serve, spread the remaining pecan, cranberry, and chive mixture on a clean chopping board. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it in the mixture to coat the outside evenly.
  5. Serve: Present the cranberry pecan cheese log on a serving board with an assortment of crackers. Enjoy as a flavorful appetizer or snack!

Notes

  • Can I use different nuts? – Yes, walnuts and pistachios work wonderfully as alternatives to pecans.
  • Can I use different cheese? – Cream cheese provides the ideal texture, but you can fold in goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Can I substitute the cranberries? – Any dried fruit that pairs well with nuts works. Avoid fresh fruit as it will cause the log to become sloppy and lose its shape.
  • Inspiration – This recipe is inspired by the GimmeDelicious cranberry pecan cheese ball.
  • Calories – The entire log’s calories are calculated assuming division among 6 servings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of log
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/cranberry-pecan-cheese-log-recipe/