Description
This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is the kind of easy appetizer that looks festive, elegant, and far more complicated than it really is. Creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios come together in one make-ahead party favorite that works beautifully for holiday gatherings, snack boards, appetizer platters, and easy entertaining. Whether you need a quick holiday appetizer, an easy recipe for guests, or fresh food ideas for your next party spread, this cheese log delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp white cheddar, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and green onions, reserving a small amount of cranberries and pistachios for coating the outside.
3. Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and roll gently to smooth the shape.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
5. Spread the reserved cranberries, pistachios, and parsley on a plate. Unwrap the cheese log and roll it in the mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks.
6. Transfer to a serving platter and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving with crackers, crostini, or fruit.
Notes
Do not try to shape the cheese mixture before it is well mixed and properly chilled, or the log can turn too soft and lose its neat shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cranberry pistachio cheese log, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, cream cheese log, party snack, make-ahead appetizer, cheese board recipe, festive appetizer, quick appetizer, food ideas