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Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log: A Stunning Holiday Appetizer You’ll Crave Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews
  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is a stunning holiday appetizer that perfectly balances creamy cheese, crunchy pistachios, and tart cranberries. With a drizzle of honey and optional spices like garlic powder and cinnamon, this no-bake cheese log is easy to prepare, chill, and serve, making it an ideal festive treat to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz goat cheese, softened
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. If desired, stir in garlic powder or ground cinnamon for additional flavor.
  2. Add Cranberries and Pistachios: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios into the cheese mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout.
  3. Shape the Cheese Log: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Shape the mixture into a log using your hands and the plastic wrap to help form a firm, even shape.
  4. Coat the Log: Roll the shaped cheese log in the remaining chopped pistachios to create an even coating on the outside. Drizzle honey over the log to add sweetness and enhance flavor.
  5. Chill the Cheese Log: Wrap the pistachio-coated cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the log to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the chilled cheese log from the fridge, unwrap it carefully, and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crackers, slices of baguette, or fresh fruit for an elegant appetizer.

Notes

  • Make sure cream cheese is softened to ensure easy mixing and a smooth texture.
  • Chilling the cheese log is essential to firm it up properly for slicing and to blend the flavors.
  • Try experimenting with flavored honey such as Hot Honey to add a spicy-sweet twist to this appetizer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cranberry, Pistachio, Cheese Log, Holiday Appetizer, No-Bake, Cream Cheese, Goat Cheese, Festive Recipe

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Find it online: https://todayplates.com/irresistible-cranberry-pistachio-cheese-log-a-stunning-holiday-appetizer-youll-crave-recipe/