Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log with Sharp Cheddar
By Miles Carr
Prep
15 min
Total
15 min
Servings
6
Level
Easy
This cranberry pecan cheese log is a recipe I like to use when hosting guests with short notice. Sharp cheddar cheese works well with cream cheese. Cranberries and pecans provide sweet and crunchy additions. Slices of the cheese log will show the chopped ingredients. I like that aspect of this recipe.
I coarsely chop cranberries and pecans and blend them with chives. I divide the mixture and use half to cover the cheese and half to cover the log once it is sliced to help hold it together. I grate my own cheddar; it blends well with other cheeses.
I don't toast the pecans when making this recipe for a quick dish that can be stored in the refrigerator. Lightly toasted pecans can be used too. I prefer to use Ritz crackers because the salty taste goes well with the fruit and cheese. The log is built on crumpled parchment paper placed on a cutting board next to the crackers.
Cover the outside of the log with the coating mixture. As the log is sliced, let the coating fall onto parchment paper beneath. Serve the log on a serving tray as an appetizer or drink for a casual gathering.
Why you'll love this recipe
- 1Fifteen minutes of preparation time are required to prepare the log for refrigeration. No cooking time is needed in the evening.
- 2Five items keep the shopping list short.
- 3Six portions come in a small package, so you don't have to bring individual food items for each student.
- 4Full-fat cream cheese can be sliced. Cheddar cheese can be sliced and mixed with cream cheese.
- 5The toppings in chunks provide variety to the salad. Other items in the salad are still simple to serve with crackers.
- 6Guests can keep themselves fed while you do other tasks.
Ingredients
- •250 g cream cheese (full fat)
- •150 g dried cranberries (roughly diced)
- •125 g pecans (roughly diced)
- •100 g mature or sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- •¼ cup chives (4 tbsp, finely diced)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the diced pecans, dried cranberries, and chives in a small mixing bowl.
- 2
Mix the cream cheese and grated cheddar in a large bowl, then fold in half of the pecan mixture and save the rest for coating.
- 3
Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of cling film, form it into a log, and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate until ready to serve, for at least 1 hour if the mixture needs time to firm up. Skip the resting time if the mixture is already fairly firm.
- 4
Spread the remaining pecan mixture over a chopping board. Unwrap the log and coat it all over with the mixture.
- 5
Serve the cheese log on a board with crackers.
FAQ
Nutrition (per serving)
398
Calories
8.58g
Protein
33.09g
Fat
20.91g
Carbs
Reviews
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