10 Minute prep creamy, sweet and tangy cheese log with cranberries and pistachios is the EASIEST yet most impressive appetizer you will ever make!
This festive cheese log can be made DAYS in advance so it’s the perfect stress-free appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday party! YAY for easy entertaining! and YAY for the best Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log!
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Cheese Log Recipe Video
Cheese Log
Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?! I have all your scrumptious sides covered (click HERE to see them all in one place) so this has been the week of appetizers! And I saved the best for l last. My dear Readers. I don’t beg often so you know I’m serious when I implore you to please make this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log. For you. For your family. For your guests. Everyone will lovoooooe you for it!
With the bustling holiday season upon us, this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is your back pocket appetizer ace to sanity and deliciousness all entertaining season long! It’s sophisticated and beautiful yet deceptively simple to prepare. At the same time, it’s so crazy delicious everyone will crowd around until every last pistachio crumb has been licked off the plate.
Cheese Log Recipe
The outer coating of tangy, fresh cranberries and salty, crunchy pistachios paired with the tangy, smooth and creamy herb spiked goat cheese is an indulgent, textural taste of heaven. Drizzle it all with honey to enhance the flavors and balance the tangy cranberries and goat cheese then dig in with Crunchmaster crackers for even more textural bliss.
This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log can be paired on a cheese plate with grapes, nuts, etc. or can stand alone served with crackers. It also is delicious spread on baguettes, burgers, muffins, etc. No matter how you serve this cheese log recipe, it will be a hit!
How to Make Cheese Log
Once you’ve picked up your Crunchmaster crackers and are ready to make your Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log, you can be serving your appetizer in no time! To make, first pulse your fresh cranberries and pistachios in your food processor until chopped small. I have never seen a cheese log with chopped cranberries like this, and let me tell you, it’s divine and looks gorgeous!
Remove ½ cup of your chopped cranberries and pistachio to a medium bowl to make your filling. Next add your goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and dried thyme, dried rosemary ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt and pepper and stir to combine. The fact that we are adding pistachios, cranberries and seasonings to the inside of the cheese log and not just to the outside means flavor through and through which equals maximum flaaaaaaaavor through and through.
The filling will be quite soft at this point, so we add it to a piece of plastic wrap and form into the shape of a log, wrap it up and freezer for 20-30 minutes until slightly firm however we still want it to be semi-soft so the coating will stick to it.
Next, sprinkle your chopped cranberries and pistachios onto a piece of parchment paper in a single layer square a little larger than the length of the cheese log. Add the cheese log to the edge of the Coating and roll until evenly coated, pressing Coating into the cheese so it sticks. Viola! You’ve just made your impressively beautiful, festive, crave worthy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log!
Make Ahead Cheese Log
The cheese log can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at this point and refrigerated for several days until ready to serve – love this, because, when it comes to holidays, appetizers are all about simplicity. When ready to serve, remove the Cranberry Goat Cheese Log from the refrigerator about 15 minutes beforehand so it can soften and come to room temperature. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving to compliment the tangy cranberries and goat cheese and serve with your Crunchmaster crackers.
And enjoy every rich, creamy sweet and savory crunchy bite with a subtle punch of flavor and a not so subtle punch of Oh. My. YUM.
LOOKING FOR MORE CHEESY APPETIZER RECIPES?
- Garlic Herb Cheese Log
- Brushetta Cheese Ball
- Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
- Brie Spinach Dip
- Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
- Cheesy Artichoke Dip Bites
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Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log
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Ingredients
Cranberry Pistachio Coating
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup shelled roasted, salted pistachios
Cheese Log
- 7-8 oz. goat cheese log or tub
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 tsp EACH ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Pistachio Coating mixture (in directions)
Garnish
- honey
Instructions
- Add cranberries and pistachios to your food processor and chop into small pieces (but don’t over-process). Remove ½ cup and add it to a medium bowl. Add all remaining Goat Cheese Log ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Add this cheese mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap, and form into the shape of a log. Wrap in plastic wrap. Freezer for 20-30 minutes. We want the cheese log slightly firm so it holds its shape but is still soft enough for the Coating to be pressed into it.
- Line counter with about a large piece parchment paper. Add Coating ingredients to parchment and spread into a single layer square a little larger than the length of the cheese log. Add cheese log to the edge of the Coating and roll in Coating (see photos) until evenly coated, pressing coating into the cheese so it sticks. The cheese log can be refrigerated at this point until ready to serve or serve immediately.
- When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 15 minutes beforehand so it can soften. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving. Serve with crackers.
Video
Notes
prep ahead
The cheese log can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for several days until ready to serve, then, remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes beforehand so it can soften and come to room temperature. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving.Want To Make This Recipe?
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©Carlsbad Cravings Original
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of TH Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.
Kathryn Larson says
This sounds interesting. Do the pistachios lose their crunch when making ahead?
Jen says
Hi Kathryn! I don’t find pistachios overly crunchy like other nuts so I would say they loose a little crunch but not too noticeable – the texture is still great.
Sue says
This recipe looks divine.. I will definitely be making for Christmas celebrations.. Can i ask, as I live in Australia and not able to get fresh cranberries, will frozen ones be ok? My only problem with the ingredients.. Thank you…Sue
Jen says
Hi Sue, I think frozen would be fine as long as they are defrosted and thoroughly patted dry. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!
Marilyn Williams says
I don’t like goat cheese. Would feta work?
Jen says
Hi Marilyn, feta won’t stick together like goat cheese. I would try cream cheese instead. Enjoy!
Marianne says
That was my question. I’m not a fan of goat cheese either. What would you recommend to use instead? The whole thing be cream cheese? Or is there another soft cheese?
Thank you!!
Jen says
Hi Marianne, you can substitute the goat cheese with cream cheese but I would reduce the amount of honey because cream cheese isn’t as tangy. Enjoy!
Ratha says
Can I freeze this? I just made it, but would like to serve it on Christmas in 4 days.. so not sure if I should leave it in the fridge that long or freeze it?
Jen says
Hi Ratha, you can certainly leave it in the fridge for 4 days if it is well wrapped, no problem!
Koree says
I made this for a get together last weekend. Very delicious and festive for the holidays! Thanks for yet another great recipe, Jen! Merry Christmas to you & your family and wishing you all the best in the new year!!
Jen says
You are so thoughtful Koree, thank you so much! I love hearing you are enjoying my recipes! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well!
Dee Dee Nunn says
Can I freeze this.!!
Jen says
I don’t recommend freezing because it will loose moisture and become crumbly. Sorry!
Ashlee says
Have you ever tried using dried, sweetened cranberries in this instead? I just wondered if the cranberries were tart or not.
Jen says
Hi Ashlee, I like the texture of fresh cranberries in this recipe. The tartness is balanced by the honey and sugar for a delightful sweet-tart combo.
Basia says
I am not a fan of goat cheese. I know this is messing with your recipe but can you think of an alternative? I love the idea of cranberry and pistachio. Thanks
Jen says
Hi Basia, you could use half cream cheese/half goat cheese or I think it would also work with all cream cheese. Enjoy!
Diane says
HI Jen, just made your Cranberry pistachio cheese log and absolutely love it. My daughter and I get together for our Christmas cookie memory bake and we shared appetizers and this had to be on the list. The pic of this was what made me want to try it, it is so pretty. My husband was home and also joined us and loves it also. It will be on my have to make list of appetizers.
Jen says
Thank you so much Diane! I am honored this made the list of “have to make appetizers!” What a fun traditional you and your daughter have! Happy holidays!
Noor says
Hi! This looks amazing! I was wondering would Brie cheese be a good substitute for the goat cheese?
Jen says
Hi Noor, unfortunately brie will not work in this cheese log recipe. You could try all cream cheese. Cream cheese is less tangy than goat cheese so you will want to reduce the amount of honey. Enjoy!
Britney says
Am I crazy in thinking it might, also, be good to try with pomegranate instead of cranberries!?
Jen says
Hi Britney, I haven’t personally tried it, but bet that would be good too! I would make sure the pomegranate seeds are very dry before chopping or they will make the mixture soggy.
Pam says
Are the pistachios salty? Roasted?
Jen says
Great question Pam, I’ll clarify in the recipe -roasted and salted.
Jennifer says
I love goat cheese especially with dates. Definitely trying this for Thanksgiving and may slip in some dates with the cranberry pistachio mixture. Thanks for sharing!
Jen says
Hi Jennifer, dates would be delicious! You may want to reduce the amount of honey if you add dates. I hope you love this cheese log as much as us – Happy Thanksgiving!
Kathleen says
For some reason I’m having trouble running down pistachios right now. Do you think walnuts would be a good substitute?
Jen says
Absolutely!
Barbara J Brcka says
Is the recipe actually 7 (seven) 8 oz. logs of goat cheese??
Jen says
No it is one 7-8 oz log of goat cheese.
Cindy says
I was wondering that as well.
Thank you for clarifying.
Holly says
Do you think agave syrup would be okay to use instead of honey? Its what I have on hand. haha
Jen says
Hi Holly, I think it that should be fine. The only thing to be aware of is that is is slightly thinner than honey so you may need to chill the log longer. Enjoy!
Anna says
Hi I can’t find anything but dried sweetened cranberries where I currently live. Is that okay to use in this recipe?
Jen says
Hi Anna, I haven’t personally tried it but it might work if you chop the craisins by hand and omit the honey from the recipe as craisins are are quite sweet.
Sharon says
I don’t see the amount of sugar used in the recipe. It instructs to add the sugar, honey and spices into the cream cheese/goat cheese mixture but doesn’t include sugar where ingredients are listed.
Jen says
My apologies, there is no sugar, just honey. I updated the recipe but not the text. Thanks for letting me know – all fixed!
Christina Drake says
Hello! This recipe looks amazing and I cant wait to try it. I wanted to make it tomorrow for a Christmas day appetizer but that means it will be in my fridge for 3 days. Will the pistachios get soggy and will the cranberry juices run everywhere and ruin it? Wondering if anyone has tried making it a few days ahead?
Jen says
Hi Christina, the pistachios will soften but the flavors will still be there – so you’re call. Merry Christmas!
Maryann says
Beautiful, delicious, and festive! My fourth time making this exactly as written and everyone loves it. My only tip would be to buy the pistachios already shelled if you can find them. Your fingers will thank you!
Jen says
Agreed! I always purchase the pre-shelled pistachios. I didn’t the first time and it was a beast! I’m thrilled you love this cheese log so much Maryann, thank you and Merry Christmas!
Karen Manasco says
Made it, ate it, loved it. Would be FABULOUS on a plain bagel.
Sadly, no one else tried it. I think they judged it before giving it a try.
Honestly, this is wonderful, and pretty, too! It has a somewhat sweet taste to it.
The pistachios stand out after a few days in the fridge. Yum!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Karen! I have been working my way through a backlog of comments and see yours somehow got lost in the mix! I appreciate you and hope you’re well!
Mikayla says
So I’ve made this and it was BOMB!! Seriously, this recipe is totally easy and SUPER DELICIOUS!! But…. I have a lot leftover. (I think I was planning to feed an entire football team♀️) What do you do with leftovers?! Do you think it would freeze? Please help.
Jen says
Hi Mikayla, I’m so happy it was a winner! You can freeze leftovers but the texture won’t be as pleasing.
Julie says
Hi I was wondering what kind of crackers did you use?
Jen says
I used Crunchmaster Multi-Grain. Enjoy!
Deb says
Have you used dry cranberries instead?
Jen says
Hi Deb, dried cranberries are sweeter and don’t have the same fun texture as fresh. I’m sure you could dry them but expect different results. Best!
Graziella Benenati says
What would you suggest in substitution of the cranberries, can’t find those here in Italy? Thx!
Jen says
Hi Graziella, unfortunately there isn’t really a good substitution for the cranberries. You could try this cheese log recipe instead: https://carlsbadcravings.com/cheese-log/
Linda wallis says
how about pome
granate seeds?
Jen says
I haven’t personally tried it but I think it could be tasty.
Deb says
Can I use all cream cheese? Will it affect the texture/flavor that much?
Jen says
Hi Deb, yes you can use all cream cheese – just think cheese ball but in log form. It will taste like cream cheese and be less tangy than goat cheese so you may want to go lighter on the honey.
Alexis says
Hello!
Can you think of a good substitute for the goat?
Jen says
Hi Alexis, you can use all cream cheese – just think cheese ball but in log form. It will taste like cream cheese and be less tangy than goat cheese so you may want to go lighter on the honey.
Pat says
For the log: is the honey added to the bowl with the other ingredients or is the honey only used for the drizzle?
Jen says
Both. You will add 2 tablespoons honey to the bowl and then drizzle the final cheese log. Enjoy!
Jewels says
For the cranberries. Can you tell me if these cranberries come in a jar or in bag? Can you explain cranberries more? I’m clueless when it comes to them.
Jen says
Hi Jewels, cranberries come in a bag and will be located with the fresh produce. If you can’t find them, I would ask someone for help. Good luck!
Aimee says
Can this be made and frozen a couple weeks before being eaten? Thank you!
Jen says
Hi Aimee, I haven’t personally tried it, but in theory, it should be able to be frozen for two months.
Frelynda m Matthews says
Can I substitute marscapone or feta(nongoat milk) for the goat cheese?
Jen says
I would use cream cheese rather than mascarpone or feta. You can, however, add some feta to the cream cheese. Enjoy!
BARBARA SCHOON says
MY DAUGHTER MADE THIS FOR THANKSGIVING. IT WAS WONDERFUL. I’M MAKING IT FOR XMAS.
Jen says
I love hearing that, thanks so much Barbara!
Janet says
What can you substitute the honey with?
Jen says
Hi Janet, you could try pure maple syrup.
Melissa says
Hi! Any sub for the pistachios ? I have an allergy in the family!
Jen says
Pecans would be my second choice. Good luck!
Jennifer Fulk says
How many ounces should the bag of cranberries be to have the correct amount ? Could you swap and use 4 oz goat cheese and 8 ounce cream cheese if you want it less tangy? This looks delicious!
Jen says
Hi Jennifer, yes you can swap some of the goat cheese for cream cheese, no problem. I’m not sure how many ounces you need but I just pick up a small bag – you only need 1 1/4 cups. Good luck!
Lila Sitaram says
Hi Jen,
I was wondering if you ever put a Jalapano in the mix for a little kick?
Jen says
I haven’t tried it but LOVE that idea!
Elisa W says
Do you use fresh cranberries or dried cranberries?
If you use fresh cranberries, do you just use them right out of the bag?
Jen says
Hi Elisa, yes use fresh cranberries right from the bag. Enjoy!
Andrea says
I made this cheese log for a get together and it was delicious but completely cracked down the middle after cutting the first piece… not sure how to fix this as the flavor was very good.
Jen says
Hi Andrea, it sounds like the cheese was too cold. I would make sure the cheese is soft enough when combining the ingredients and soft enough when serving.
Clare says
I can only find frozen cranberries at this time of year. Do you think it would work to let them thaw?
Jen says
I think that would be fine – just make sure to pat them very dry before using. Enjoy!
Stephanie says
This looks delicious. Do you think it would be good drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey? Or should I just stick to regular honey?
Jen says
I personally love sweet and spicy, so I think that would be delicious!
Tess says
I’m not a big fan of goat cheese. I wonder could. I use Brie cheese?
Jen says
Hi Tess, I don’t think brie is the right consistency, but you can use cream cheese instead. Enjoy!
Erica says
I’m excited to make this for Thanksgiving! Has anyone made this ahead of time? I’m assuming the extra time in the fridge would cause the nuts to lose their crunch. Can anyone confirm? I would prefer to make ahead but don’t want to compromise the texture of the pistachios.
Jen says
Hi Erica, yes they do loose their crunch a little. You could have the coating all ready to go and then roll the log just before serving. Enjoy!
Susan says
This is my first time making this but My suggestion to spice it up is to use either cayenne pepper and/or hot honey. Yum.
Jen says
Love sweet and spicy!
Joanne McKinnon says
Hello. I’m planning on using this recipe for a Christmas Open House. Can you clarify why in Step 1 you say “Remove ½ cup and add it to a medium bowl.” What is this 1/2 cup of coating used for?
Jen says
This 1/2 cup is combined with the rest of the ingredients to create the cheese log/it goes in the cheese log and the rest is the coating. “Remove ½ cup and add it to a medium bowl. Add all remaining Goat Cheese Log ingredients to the bowl”
Carrie Pyros says
The presentation was beautiful and guests were impressed with the flavor!!! Thank you!
Jen says
Win-win, love that, thanks Carrie!
Amy says
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was everyone’s favorite! Several people asked for the recipe. It is so good and easy to make, thank you for sharing.
Jen says
I love hearing that, thanks so much Amy!
Jenna says
What is the best cracker to serve with this recipe? Can’t wait to try it!
Jen says
Hi Jenna, I used Crunchmaster multi-grain, but you can use any of your favorites!
Melissa says
I made this last year it was AMAZING! However my dad is allergic to pistachios.. is there an equivalent nut substitute (no other nut allergies just pistachios) TIA!
Jen says
Thanks so much Melissa! I think this would also be delicious with pecans.
Thea says
Can one use fresh thyme & rosemary in the recipe? Also, I worked in a children’s hospital for 15 years and I am so very excited to see the amazing developments in medicine for people with cf, congratulations to you and so happy for you!
Jen says
Yes you can use fresh – you’ll need about 3/4 teaspoon each. Thank you so much for your kind words and especially for all your work, you are making a difference!
Linda says
I made the cranberry/pistachio goat cheese log for Christmas. It took me quite a bit longer than quoted BUT it was delicious. I will definitely make it again. I’m going to make the Garlic/Goat Cheese log for New Year’s Day. Will give my opinion after I make it.
Jen says
Thank you, Linda! I am so glad it’s a repeat and was worth your time! Thanks for making my recipes and taking the time to comment!
B says
Hi Jen. I made this for Christmas. When I saw your recipe & that it had goat cheese (yum!), pistachios & cranberries, I thought now that’s the Christmas appetizer to serve. It was delicious!! However, mine didn’t quite like your’s. I noticed my cranberries made the mixture wet. I thawed them overnight, rinsed & drained them well. Also when I added the 1/2cup to the cheeses, my cheese turned completely red (still festive though). Any thoughts on what I need to correct?
Jen says
I’m so glad it was yummy and festive! I would suggest using fresh cranberries for this recipe to make the mixture less wet.
Olga says
Can you use dried cranberries? I have a large bag.
Jen says
That should work just fine! Hope you enjoy!
Chris says
I love the way at it looks , and I am excited to make it but I am curious…
Do the fresh cranberries taste good without cooking them?
Jen says
Absolutely!
Arianne W says
I’m super excited to make this for our next family gathering! But I was wondering if there was a cheese you would recommend instead of goat cheese? We’re not big on goat cheese at my house. But the rest of it sounds (and looks) amazing!
Jen says
I would suggest just using softened cream cheese, like in a cheese ball! I think the log would be especially tasty if you also add some finely, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Hope this helps!
Isis says
Hi, have you ever added maple syrup or agave as the sweetener?
Jen says
Sorry, I haven’t, but I think either would work.
Mair says
Can you use craisens instead?. I’m making this for New Years Eve and can’t find cranberries anywhere
Jen says
I’m sorry for the late response! Craisens would work just fine!
Pam says
I made this and used cream cheese and grated some Champagne Cheese and it was devoured so quick I didn’t get a bite. Made it again just for my family – but this time I saved a bit and kept it at home in the fridge so I could enjoy it.
Definitely the best recipe. I cannot tolerate any cheese except from a cow so had to change the cheese after I saw your answer to a reviewer.
Jen says
Happy to hear it was a hit! And I’m so glad you set some aside for yourself this time!