How far in advance can I make a cranberry pecan cheese log?

You can prepare the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log up to 2 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate. For best texture, roll it in the pecan-cranberry coating just before serving so it stays fresh and crunchy.

Can I freeze the cheese log?

Freezing is not recommended for this cheese log. Cream cheese can become grainy after thawing, and the texture of the pecans and cranberries may degrade. Instead, make it a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What are the best crackers to serve with this cheese log?

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log pairs wonderfully with buttery crackers like Ritz, whole grain crispbreads, crostini, or even apple slices for a gluten-free option. Choose crackers that are sturdy enough to handle the dense, creamy texture of the cheese.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log – Best Recipe

Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250g / 9oz full fat Cream Cheese: creamy base that holds the log together; 100g / 3.5oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated: adds bold flavor and balances creaminess; 150g / 5.3oz Dried Cranberries, roughly diced: provides tart sweetness and chewy texture; 125g / 4.4oz Pecans, roughly diced: adds nutty crunch; 4 tbsp / 1/4 cup Fresh Chives, finely diced: brings mild onion flavor and fresh color

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log is a festive, creamy, and easy-to-make appetizer featuring cream cheese, sharp cheddar, cranberries, pecans, and chives. Perfect for holiday gatherings or party platters, it combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

250g / 9oz full fat Cream Cheese: creamy base that holds the log together
100g / 3.5oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated: adds bold flavor and balances creaminess
150g / 5.3oz Dried Cranberries, roughly diced: provides tart sweetness and chewy texture
125g / 4.4oz Pecans, roughly diced: adds nutty crunch
4 tbsp / 1/4 cup Fresh Chives, finely diced: brings mild onion flavor and fresh color

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and chives. Reserve half for the coating.
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese until smooth.
Fold in the other half of the cranberry-pecan-chive mixture into the cheese blend.
Place the cheese mixture onto a sheet of cling film and shape into a log using the film to tightly wrap it.
Refrigerate the log for at least 1 hour to firm up before coating.
Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it in the reserved pecan mixture until fully coated.
Serve with crackers, crostini, or apple slices on a board with a knife. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use walnuts or pistachios instead of pecans.
Substitute some cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Resting in the fridge helps the cheese log hold its shape better.
Roll in coating right before serving to maintain crunch.
Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor balance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of log
Calories: 398 kcal
Sugar: 15.21 g
Sodium: 277 mg
Fat: 33.09 g
Saturated Fat: 12.89 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16.61 g
Trans Fat: 0.22 g
Carbohydrates: 20.91 g
Fiber: 2.7 g
Protein: 8.58 g
Cholesterol: 66 mg