Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Printable)
Creamy goat and cream cheese studded with dried cranberries and pistachios, chilled and rolled into a party-ready log.
# 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)
# Step-by-step:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and black pepper. Beat with an electric mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
02 - Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped cranberries, 1/2 cup of the chopped pistachios, and fresh chives if desired, mixing until evenly distributed.
03 - Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the wrap and use the plastic to form the mixture into a log approximately 6 inches long.
04 - In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup chopped cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, and parsley if using, spreading the mixture evenly.
05 - Carefully unwrap the cheese log and roll it in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating on all sides.
06 - Wrap the coated log in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing it to firm before serving.
07 - Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator ten minutes before serving. Slice and serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes practically no time to throw together and still looks stunning on any table.
- The luxurious texture and unexpected bursts of flavor always inspire second helpings and compliments you secretly savor.
02 -
- If the cheeses aren&apost fully softened, your mixture will be lumpy and impossible to shape—learned that with a sore wrist once.
- Chopping the cranberries and pistachios small enough for rolling makes the outside as tidy as the inside is generous.
03 -
- Gently pressing the coating in with your palms (not just rolling) ensures the crust stays put as guests slice.
- Half an hour before serving, let the cheese log sit at room temperature—flavors blossom, and it&aposs easier to spread.