Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Printable)
Creamy goat and cream cheese log studded with dried cranberries and pistachios, chilled and rolled for easy serving.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cheese Mixture
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, softened
03 - 1 tablespoon honey
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Mix-Ins
05 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
06 - 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
→ Coating
08 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
09 - 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and black pepper. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
02 - Gently fold in 1/2 cup each of roughly chopped cranberries and pistachios, along with the finely chopped chives if using.
03 - Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the countertop. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap and shape it into a uniform log approximately 6 inches in length.
04 - In a shallow dish, blend together 1/4 cup each of finely chopped cranberries and pistachios, along with the fresh parsley if desired.
05 - Carefully unwrap the formed cheese log and roll it in the prepared coating mixture until the surface is evenly covered.
06 - Rewrap the coated cheese log in clean plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
07 - Remove cheese log from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Present with crackers, sliced baguette, or assorted vegetable sticks.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together faster than you can finish a cup of coffee, so it’s an instant party trick for last-minute guests.
- The balance of sweet cranberries, earthy pistachios, and creamy cheese feels fancy but tastes comfortingly familiar.
02 -
- Once, I tried to roll the log before it was chilled and it promptly smushed—patience is key for neat slices.
- Swapping in toasted almonds or walnuts works wonders if you’re out of pistachios—the texture remains spot on.
03 -
- Wearing food-safe gloves makes rolling and coating the log so much tidier.
- A small offset spatula is the secret tool for shaping, especially if you want nice clean lines.