Can I make this cheese log nut-free?

Yes. You can skip the pistachios and use a coating of only dried cranberries and fresh herbs, or roll the log in finely chopped seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. The color will still look festive and the cheese log will be safe for guests who avoid nuts.

Can I turn this into a cheese ball instead?

Absolutely. Instead of shaping the mixture into a log, form it into a ball with your hands while it is wrapped in plastic. Chill until firm, then roll in the cranberry pistachio coating. The flavor stays the same, only the shape changes.

What type of crackers go best with this cheese log?

Any plain or lightly flavored cracker works well. Buttery crackers, water crackers, and crisp whole grain or seed crackers are all good choices. Avoid crackers with very strong flavors that might compete with the sweet, tangy cheese mixture.

Festive Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log (Easy Appetizer)

Description

This Festive Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is the perfect holiday appetizer—creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and perfectly crunchy. It’s easy to make, beautiful on the table, and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz goat cheese, softened (or more cream cheese)
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries (for coating)
1/2 cup finely chopped roasted, salted pistachios
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruit, and veggie sticks for serving

Instructions

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, goat cheese, and shredded cheddar until smooth and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
Add honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, scraping the bowl as needed.
Fold in the chopped parsley or chives and 1/3 cup cranberries until evenly distributed.
Spoon the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a rough log.
Wrap tightly and roll gently into a smooth log about 6–8 inches long. Chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
In a shallow dish, combine the remaining cranberries, chopped pistachios, and parsley.
Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll in the cranberry-pistachio mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
Transfer to a serving platter or rewrap and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Make up to 3 days ahead. Customize by swapping nuts, herbs, or sweeteners. Let sit at room temp 15–20 minutes before serving. Can also be shaped into a cheese ball.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: cheese log, cranberry, pistachio, holiday appetizer, Christmas, goat cheese