Description
This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log is a creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet-savory appetizer combining goat cheese and cream cheese with honey, fresh herbs, orange zest, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. It’s an elegant and festive appetizer that’s easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese Mix
- 10 ounce log goat cheese, softened
- 2 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon finely-grated orange zest
- Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Cranberry Pecan Coating
- ½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- ½ cup finely chopped sweetened dried cranberries (“Craisins”)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
For Serving
- Additional honey, for drizzling
- Crackers, crostini, or apple slices
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Pecan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped toasted pecans, chopped sweetened dried cranberries, fresh thyme, and finely chopped fresh rosemary. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Mix the Cheese: In a medium bowl, stir together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth, either by hand using a spoon or with an electric hand mixer on medium-low speed. Add the honey, orange zest, about ¼ cup of the cranberry-pecan mixture, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Cheese Log: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help shape and roll the mixture into a 9-inch log, smoothing the surface as you go. Place the log in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes until it is firm enough to handle but not completely frozen through.
- Coat the Cheese Log: On a clean piece of plastic wrap, evenly spread the remaining cranberry-pecan mixture. Remove the chilled cheese log from the freezer, unwrap it, and roll it gently in the coating so it adheres evenly on all sides. Wrap the coated log tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese log for 1 to 2 hours to allow it to firm up. If refrigerated longer than 2 hours, remove it about 15 minutes prior to serving to let it soften slightly for an ideal texture.
- Serve: Place the cheese log on a serving plate and drizzle with additional honey if desired. Provide crackers, crostini, or apple slices alongside for serving. Alternatively, offer a small bowl of honey on the side for guests to drizzle themselves.
Notes
- Using softened goat cheese and cream cheese makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth texture in the cheese log.
- To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool before chopping.
- Honey adds natural sweetness that complements the tangy goat cheese and balances the savory herbs. Use good quality honey for best flavor.
- Finely grated orange zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma to the cheese mixture, enhancing its complexity.
- Do not freeze the cheese log solid—chilling it to firm enough to handle is ideal. For longer chilling, refrigerate instead of freezing to maintain the right texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
