Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Printer-friendly)
Cream and goat cheese mixed with cranberries and pistachios, shaped and chilled for an elegant party starter.
# 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, beat the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
02 - Gently fold in 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, and chives if using, until evenly distributed.
03 - Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the wrap and shape it into a log approximately 6 inches long.
04 - In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup chopped cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, and parsley if desired.
05 - Unwrap the cheese log and roll it gently in the coating mixture until it is evenly covered.
06 - Rewrap the coated cheese log with fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
07 - Remove from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving. Present on a platter with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This cheese log delivers a burst of festive color and flavor with just a handful of ingredients, making you look impressively prepared in no time.
- The creamy texture and subtle sweetness became my secret weapon for gatherings with friends and family.
02 -
- Once, I tried to skip the chill time, which led to a gooey mess that could barely hold its shape—never again.
- If you only roughly chop the cranberries and pistachios for the coating, they won’t stick; really chop them fine for the perfect crust.
03 -
- Don’t rush the softening of the cream cheese—this makes mixing effortless and ultra-creamy.
- Use parchment paper if you run out of plastic wrap; it keeps the shape just as well.