Cranberry Pecan and Cheese Log Recipe: I served this at a game night, and friends asked for the recipe before the opening quarter ended. It tastes tangy, creamy, and a little sweet with crunchy pecans; it suits holiday snacking or last-minute guests, and you can finish it in about 15 minutes plus a quick chill.
Homemade Cranberry Pecan and Cheese Log Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan and Cheese Log Recipe uses simple ingredients and no stove time. I keep cream cheese on hand and pull dried cranberries and pecans from the pantry. You mix, chill, and roll, and the whole thing looks party-level with barely any effort.
You can mix the cheese base in one bowl, which means easy cleanup. I toast the pecans for a minute or two for extra flavor, but you can skip it if you feel rushed. The log slices cleanly, so guests get neat rounds instead of crumble city.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz; Philadelphia holds structure well)
- Soft goat cheese, room temp (4 oz; optional for tang; omit if you want milder flavor)
- Sharp cheddar, finely shredded (1 cup; shred from a block for best melt and flavor)
- Dried cranberries, chopped (3/4 cup; reduced-sugar cranberries keep it less sweet)
- Pecans, chopped (1 cup; toast for extra depth; pre-chopped nuts save time)
- Green onion or chives, minced (2 tbsp)
- Orange zest (1 tsp; bright citrus balances richness; microplane works best)
- Honey or maple syrup (1–2 tsp; maple for vegan)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste; cheeses add salt, so go light)
- Ground cinnamon or allspice (pinch; optional warming note)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, minced (1 tsp; optional herb lift)
- For coating: extra chopped pecans (1/2 cup), extra chopped cranberries (1/4 cup), finely chopped parsley (2 tbsp)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl and rubber spatula
- Hand mixer (optional for extra-smooth base)
- Plastic wrap or parchment for shaping
- Small skillet or oven for toasting nuts
- Rimmed baking sheet or large plate for rolling the coating
- Microplane, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons
- Serving platter and a small cheese knife
How to Make Cranberry Pecan and Cheese Log
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 0 minutes (add 5 minutes to toast nuts, optional)
- Chill: 20–30 minutes for easier shaping
- Total: 20–45 minutes, depending on chill time
- Toast the pecans (optional). Warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir the pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, then spread them on a plate and let them cool.
- Mix the cheese base. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, goat cheese (if using), honey or maple, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in flavor. Add cheddar, green onion, orange zest, cinnamon or allspice, and herbs. Stir until combined and creamy.
- Add the mix-ins. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup chopped cranberries. Reserve the rest for coating.
- Shape the log. Scoop the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to form a tight 7–8 inch log, then twist the ends to compact it.
- Chill. Place the wrapped log in the fridge for 20–30 minutes so it firms up and holds its shape.
- Coat. Mix the remaining pecans, remaining cranberries, and parsley on a baking sheet or plate. Unwrap the log and roll it in the coating, pressing gently so it sticks all over.
- Finish and serve. Set the log on a platter, drizzle a thin line of honey if you like, and add a small cheese knife. Slice and serve, then watch it vanish faster than the cracker supply.
Tips
- Soften the cheeses fully; cold cheese clumps and resists mixing.
- Shred cheddar from a block; bagged shreds carry anti-caking starch that dulls texture.
- Chop cranberries and pecans small; fine bits help the log slice cleanly.
- Taste before adding more salt; cheddar and goat cheese already bring salt.
- If the mixture feels loose, chill it for 10 minutes, then finish shaping.
- Coat close to serving time; nuts stay crisp and fresh.
- Use plastic wrap to roll tightly; friction compacts the log for fewer air pockets.
- Wipe the knife between slices; clean cuts keep the coating intact.
Variations I’ve Tried
- Gluten-free: The log is naturally gluten-free; serve with GF crackers, cucumber rounds, or apple slices.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar-style shreds; sweeten with maple instead of honey.
- Nut-free: Swap pecans for toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds.
- Lower sugar: Choose reduced-sugar cranberries and skip the honey.
- Add-ins: Stir in minced jalapeño, smoked paprika, diced dried apricots, or swap pecans for pistachios. Crumbled crispy bacon tastes great for meat eaters.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan and Cheese Log
Serve with sturdy crackers, crostini, pretzel thins, or sliced apples and pears. Add crunchy veggies like cucumber rounds and endive leaves for a fresh contrast. Pour sparkling wine, a crisp rosé, hard cider, or a citrusy seltzer, and you have a party with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make up to 3 days ahead and keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then re-roll in fresh coating the day you serve.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4–5 days, wrapped well to prevent drying.
- Freeze the uncoated log for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and roll in fresh coating.
- Skip reheating; this snack shines chilled or cool. For best texture, set it out for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Cranberry Pecan and Cheese Log
A festive and flavorful cheese log coated with cranberries and pecans, perfect for serving as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Stir in half of the chopped cranberries and half of the pecans.
- Shape the mixture into a log using plastic wrap, wrapping tightly to hold the shape.
- In a shallow dish, combine the remaining cranberries and pecans. Roll the cheese log in this mixture to coat the outside evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Slice and serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Notes
For best results, let the cheese log sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Customize with your favorite dried fruits or nuts for variety.