Description
This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer with tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pistachios, savory bacon, and a drizzle of honey. A perfect addition to your holiday gatherings, this cheese log is as delicious as it is visually stunning. It’s a must-try for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Log:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Hot Honey Drizzle (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Ingredient Notes & Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use extra pistachios.
- Use goat cheese for a creamier texture if desired.
- Toast the pistachios for extra flavor.
- Use fresh cranberries for a more tart flavor.
- Optional: Add holiday spices like cinnamon to the drizzle for added depth.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Add salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of honey. Mix until smooth.
- Add the Cranberries and Bacon: Fold in chopped cranberries, crumbled bacon (if using), and pistachios.
- Shape the Cheese Log: Place plastic wrap or parchment paper on your countertop. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and shape it into a log. Wrap it up and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Coat the Log with Pistachios: Once chilled, unwrap the cheese log and roll it in chopped pistachios, pressing gently to adhere. Optionally, sprinkle extra cranberries on top.
- Make the Hot Honey Drizzle: Heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat, adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cheese log with fresh parsley. Drizzle hot honey over the log just before serving. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Chill the cheese log for at least 1 hour to help the flavors meld and make it easier to shape.
- Toast pistachios in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- This can be made ahead—prepare the cheese log a day or two in advance and top with hot honey right before serving.
- For a spicier version, drizzle hot honey over the log.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor and garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log, Holiday Cheese Log, Cranberry Appetizer, Festive Cheese Log, Bacon Cheese Log, Thanksgiving Appetizer, Christmas Appetizer