Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Printable)
Soft cheeses folded with chopped cranberries and pistachios, shaped and chilled for an elegant, nutty spread.
# 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:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and black pepper. Use an electric mixer or spatula to blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
02 - Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios, and fresh chives if desired, ensuring even distribution.
03 - Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the wrap and, using the wrap to assist, form into a log approximately 6 inches long.
04 - In a shallow dish, mix the finely chopped cranberries, pistachios, and chopped parsley for the outer coating.
05 - Remove the cheese log from its initial wrap and gently roll it in the prepared coating until the surface is evenly covered.
06 - Wrap the coated cheese log in clean plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set.
07 - Before plating, let the cheese log stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Present with crackers, sliced baguette, or crisp vegetable sticks.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It looks far fancier than the fifteen minutes it actually takes to assemble, and guests always think you pulled out all the stops.
- The soft creaminess mingled with sweet cranberry and a nutty crunch keeps people coming back for just one more swipe.
02 -
- If you don’t let the cheese soften first, you’ll end up with lumpy patches that just won’t blend.
- Rolling the log before chilling makes it so much easier to coat evenly—don’t try to skip ahead.
03 -
- If chopping pistachios, pulse them briefly in a food processor to save time, but stop before they get dusty.
- Goat cheese straight from the fridge will fight you—let it sit out for soft, creamy blending.