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- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1 cup pecans, finely chopped - Optional: Assorted crackers or sliced colorful vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers) for serving Using fresh and high-quality ingredients truly makes a big difference. The cream cheese serves as a creamy base. Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor. Fresh chives provide a burst of freshness. Dried cranberries bring sweetness and color. Pecans add a satisfying crunch. When you choose quality, your cheese log will taste so much better. It will impress your guests and make your holiday gathering memorable. Pair your cheese log with assorted crackers for a great crunch. Sliced vegetables like carrots and cucumbers add a fresh touch. Bell peppers bring bright colors and flavors. These sides balance the richness of the cheese log. You can even add some fruit like grapes or apple slices for a sweet contrast. This makes your platter fun and inviting! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Put them in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until smooth. This step is key for a creamy texture. Next, add chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Mix well until everything is combined. The seasoning gives great flavor to the cheese. Now, fold in the chopped dried cranberries. This adds sweetness and a nice pop of color. Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap. This is where the fun starts! Use the wrap to form the mixture into a log shape. Roll it tightly to keep the log intact. Make sure it’s even all around. Once you shape it, twist the ends of the plastic wrap. This keeps the log from falling apart. It’s like wrapping a present! Now, let’s chill the cheese log. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling is very important. It helps the log firm up, making it easy to slice. When you're ready to serve, unwrap the log carefully. Then, roll it in finely chopped pecans. The pecans add a nice crunch and flavor. Slice it into rounds or serve it whole. Enjoy this delightful treat with your favorite crackers or veggies! One mistake is using cold cream cheese. It should be soft. This helps mix better with other cheeses. Another mistake is overmixing. This can make the cheese log too soft. Be gentle when folding in the cranberries. You want them to stay whole for flavor bursts. To get the right texture, blend the cheeses until smooth. This creates a creamy base. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. It will mix easier with the cheddar. When you fold in the cranberries, don’t mash them. They add nice texture and flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-shredded cheese. It saves you a step. You can also mix the cheese a day ahead. Just chill overnight. When your guests arrive, roll in pecans and slice. If you want to impress, serve with colorful veggies. It makes your plate look festive and inviting. Pro Tips Chill Time Matters: Allowing the cheese log to chill for at least 2 hours not only helps it firm up but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Versatile Coating: Experiment with different coatings like crushed nuts, herbs, or even seeds to customize the cheese log to your taste preferences. Serving Suggestions: Pair the cheese log with a selection of sweet and savory accompaniments, such as honey, fig jam, or spicy mustard, for a delightful contrast. Presentation Perfection: For an eye-catching display, serve the cheese log on a rustic wooden board alongside colorful vegetables and assorted crackers. {{image_4}} You can make your cranberry pecan cheese log even better! Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. These flavors mix well with the creamy cheese. Just add a little at a time and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance. While pecans are tasty, other nuts can change the whole feel of your cheese log. Walnuts bring a rich, earthy taste. Almonds add a nice crunch and a mild flavor. You could even try hazelnuts for a sweet note. Just chop them finely before rolling your log. Each nut brings a unique twist, so feel free to experiment! Serving your cheese log can be just as fun as making it! Pair it with assorted crackers for crunch. Sliced colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers add freshness. You can also serve it with dips. A tangy cranberry sauce or a smooth honey would complement the cheese perfectly. Create a festive platter with different textures and colors. This makes your cheese log pop at any gathering! To store your cheese log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep the log fresh and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. You can also place it in an airtight container for extra protection. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of your fridge. This way, it stays firm and tasty. Your cheese log will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the log in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You don’t need to reheat the cheese log. It’s best served cold or at room temperature. Just slice it and serve it with crackers or veggies. If you prefer it soft, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to spread and enhance its flavor. You can use Greek yogurt or a soft vegan cheese. Both options give a creamy texture. Greek yogurt adds tang, while vegan cheese can mimic the taste. For a nutty twist, try cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with a bit of lemon juice and salt for a spreadable mix. Yes, you can create a vegan version of this cheese log. Use a plant-based cream cheese made from nuts or soy. Replace sharp cheddar with a vegan cheese alternative. The other ingredients, like herbs and cranberries, are already vegan-friendly. You can prepare the cheese log up to two days ahead. Follow the steps to shape and chill it. Once firm, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. This makes hosting easier and stress-free. Pair the cheese log with an array of crackers. Choose whole grain, gluten-free, or flavored options. Fresh veggie sticks, like carrots and cucumbers, also work well. Add some sliced bell peppers for color. This makes a fun and appealing platter for guests. Making a cranberry pecan cheese log can be fun and straightforward. We explored the key ingredients and their quality, critical to a great flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure your cheese log turns out perfectly every time. We also discussed tips to avoid mistakes and how to store it properly. Use this guide to impress your guests and enjoy every bite. You can mix things up by adding your favorite flavors. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create this tasty treat!

Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

A delightful cheese log made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and festive cranberries, rolled in pecans for a crunchy finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • to taste assorted crackers or sliced colorful vegetables for serving

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix thoroughly until the combination is smooth, creamy, and fully blended.
  • Next, add the finely chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt to the bowl. Continue to blend until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is evenly seasoned.
  • Carefully fold in the roughly chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the cheese mixture for bursts of flavor in every bite.
  • Prepare to shape your cheese log by laying out a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean, flat surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Using the wrap, tightly roll the mixture into a log shape, forming it as you go.
  • Once shaped, twist the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to secure the log and maintain its shape. Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm to the touch.
  • After chilling, remove the cheese log from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap it from the plastic wrap, exposing the delightful log shape.
  • On a large plate, spread the finely chopped pecans in a single layer. Roll the cheese log in the pecans, gently pressing them onto the surface to ensure they adhere nicely and create a delightful crust.
  • Slice the cheese log into generous rounds for serving, or present it whole with a cheese knife for guests to serve themselves.

Notes

Elevate your cheese log presentation by serving it on a rustic wooden cheese board with vibrant crackers and fresh vegetable sticks.
Keyword appetizer, cheese log, cranberry, holiday, pecan