Description
Creamy cranberry pecan cheese log delivers festive elegance with Mediterranean-inspired flair. Smooth cream cheese blends with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a perfect holiday appetizer for delightful gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Nuts and Dried Fruits:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) dried cranberries (chopped)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh chives (chopped)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant mixture of finely chopped pecans, tangy dried cranberries, and delicate fresh chives in a mixing bowl, setting this colorful blend aside for later use.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar until smooth and uniform, then gently fold in half of the prepared pecan mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Position a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean work surface and carefully transfer the cheese blend onto it, using gentle hands to form an elegant cylindrical shape, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to firm and meld flavors.
- Once chilled, unwrap the log and place it on a flat surface scattered with the remaining pecan mixture, carefully rolling to create a complete, textured exterior that clings perfectly to the creamy base.
- Artfully transfer the finished cheese log to a decorative serving platter, accompanied by an assortment of crisp crackers, ready to delight guests with its rustic, gourmet appearance and rich, complex flavors.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese beforehand to ensure easier mixing and a smoother texture without lumps.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch before combining with other ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like cucumber and carrots for serving.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that complement the cranberry and pecan mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg