Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Printable view)
Soft goat and cream cheese blended with cranberries and pistachios, chilled and rolled for elegant party bites.
# 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)
# Steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and black pepper. Beat using an electric mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
02 - Fold in 1/2 cup chopped cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, and chives if using, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the cheese mixture.
03 - Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the work surface. Spoon the prepared cheese mixture onto the plastic and use the wrap to mold it into a compact log approximately 6 inches long.
04 - In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup finely chopped cranberries, 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios, and parsley if desired.
05 - Remove the cheese log from the plastic wrap and gently roll it in the prepared coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure complete and even coverage.
06 - Wrap the coated cheese log in clean plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm. Before serving, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Slice and present with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy base and bursts of pistachios and cranberries transform an ordinary cheese board into a showstopper.
- It takes almost no time to pull together, but everyone always asks for the recipe.
02 -
- If you try to coat the log before it chills, the cheese will stick to your hands more than the toppings.
- Letting it rest before serving isn't optional—the texture transforms from cold to creamy.
03 -
- Wearing food-safe gloves for the rolling step keeps things tidy and picture-perfect.
- Saving a little coating mix to sprinkle on right before serving wakes up the colors and crunch.