Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Print version)
Creamy tangy cheese studded with dried cranberries and pistachios, chilled and rolled for an elegant party bite.
# What you'll need:
→ Cheese Mixture
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 ounces 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)
# How to make it:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and black pepper using a spatula or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
02 - Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped cranberries, 1/2 cup of the chopped pistachios, and the chives if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the cheese mixture.
03 - Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the work surface. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap, then use the wrap to help shape the mixture into a uniform log approximately 6 inches long.
04 - In a shallow dish, mix together 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of finely chopped pistachios, and parsley if desired.
05 - Unwrap the shaped cheese log and roll it gently in the prepared coating mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
06 - Wrap the coated cheese log in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm.
07 - Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Slice and serve with crackers, slices of baguette, or vegetable sticks as desired.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- There&apost;s virtually no cooking, so you can whip this up while chatting and sipping wine.
- It looks impressive but is highly forgiving—even if your log is a little lumpy, it still gets devoured.
02 -
- Once I tried skipping the chilling step, and my log melted into a sad heap on the board—always give it time to firm up.
- Mincing the cranberries a little finer for the coating helps them stick better and creates a prettier finish.
03 -
- Set everything out ahead—cheese at room temp mixes much more smoothly than cold.
- Don&apost;t skip the honey; it&apost;s the secret ingredient that ties sweet and savory together.