Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that combines creamy full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar with crunchy pecans and sweet dried cranberries. Rolled into a log and coated with a nutty, fruity mix, it’s perfect for serving with crackers at any gathering. The recipe is quick to prepare with minimal cooking required, making it a hassle-free yet impressive addition to your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 250g (9oz) full fat Cream Cheese
- 100g (3.5oz) Mature/Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
Fruit and Nut Mix
- 150g (5.3oz) Dried Cranberries, roughly diced
- 125g (4.4oz) Pecans, roughly diced
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) finely diced Chives
Instructions
- Combine fruit and nuts: In a small mixing bowl, combine the roughly diced pecans, dried cranberries, and finely diced chives. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Mix cheeses with half the nut mix: In a large mixing bowl, add the full-fat cream cheese and grated mature cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to combine them together with half of the pecan and cranberry mixture you prepared earlier, saving the other half for the outer coating.
- Form the cheese log: Place the cheese and nut mixture onto a large sheet of cling film. Using the cling film, mold and tightly wrap the mixture into a log shape. This helps the log hold together and makes it easier to chill.
- Chill the log: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese log for at least one hour to firm up. This resting time is recommended for the best texture, but if your mixture is firm enough, you may skip this step.
- Coat and serve: When ready to serve, spread the remaining pecan and cranberry mix evenly on a chopping board. Unwrap the cheese log and roll it gently but thoroughly in the nut mixture to coat it completely. Serve the finished cheese log on a serving board alongside crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Can I use different nuts? – Yes! Walnuts and pistachios are great alternatives to pecans and work wonderfully for this recipe.
- Can I use different cheese? – Cream cheese is essential for the right texture to form the log. You can fold in goat cheese for a different flavor profile if desired.
- Can I substitute cranberries? – Any dried fruit that complements nuts can be used, but avoid fresh fruit as it will make the log too soft and unable to hold shape.
- Inspiration – This recipe is inspired by the GimmeDelicious cranberry pecan cheese ball.
- Calories – The calorie count is based on dividing the whole log into 6 servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of cheese log (approx. 130g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg