I absolutely love the simplicity and festive charm of this Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe. It’s one of those effortless appetizers that feel special but only takes minutes to put together. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party or just want a quick, flavorful snack, this recipe brings together creamy goat cheese with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries in a way that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the cinnamon and cranberries transformed a simple goat cheese log into something extra memorable. You’ll find that it pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers and looks gorgeous on any holiday cheese board. Plus, since it requires almost no prep time, it’s perfect for last-minute entertaining or an easy everyday treat that’s a little fancy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Takes just 10 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
- Deliciously Festive: The combo of cinnamon and dried cranberries gives it that lovely holiday flavor without being over the top.
- Versatile Appetizer: Works equally well with crackers, fresh fruit, or even as a sandwich spread.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, saving you time on party day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe relies on just a few simple ingredients that really highlight each other. I always suggest using good-quality dried cranberries and a fresh goat cheese log for the best flavor and texture.
- Goat cheese log: Look for a creamy chèvre that’s soft but holds its shape; it makes rolling easier.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch adds a warm, cozy note that complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
- Dried cranberries (Craisins® recommended): Sweet and slightly chewy, these stick well to the cheese and add great texture.
- Crackers: Choose your favorite—whether buttery, whole grain, or gluten-free, they’re perfect for serving.
Variations
I love to switch things up sometimes, depending on the occasion or who I’m serving. This Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe is super flexible—don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.
- Swap the cheese: I once made this with a cream cheese and feta mix for a milder, creamier result; it was a big hit at brunch!
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts sprinkled on the outside add an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Try mixing fresh thyme or rosemary into the cheese before rolling for an herby twist perfect for the holidays.
- Sweetener tweak: Sometimes I stir in a little honey if I want an extra touch of sweetness alongside the cinnamon.
How to Make Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cheese and Cinnamon
Start by unwrapping your goat cheese log and sprinkling about one teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the sides. I find a light dusting does the trick—it brings out just enough warmth without overpowering the cheese’s natural tang. If the cheese feels chilled and stiff, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it softens slightly; this helps those cranberries stick much better!
Step 2: Roll in the Craisins® and Press Gently
Pour a generous handful of dried cranberries onto your work surface, then carefully roll the cheese log over them so it picks up plenty of fruit. Don’t worry if you miss some spots; grab a few cranberries at a time and press them gently but firmly into the soft cheese, filling any gaps. This little step makes your log look beautiful and festive, plus you get a sweet burst in every bite.
Step 3: Chill or Serve Immediately
If you’re serving right away, go ahead and place your cranberry-covered cheese log on a pretty platter alongside crackers. If not, wrap it tightly in wax paper, twisting the ends like a tootsie roll, and pop it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and lets the flavors meld beautifully until you’re ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe
- Room Temperature Cheese: I learned that letting the cheese soften just a bit before rolling makes the cranberries stick so much easier.
- Even Cinnamon Coverage: Sprinkling cinnamon on all sides ensures every bite is deliciously aromatic, not just the top.
- Press Gently but Firmly: Applying enough pressure when adding cranberries fills the gaps and helps the topping last longer without falling off.
- Use Wax Paper Wrapping: Wrapping like a tootsie roll maintains the log’s shape and keeps it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Serve Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the garnishes simple with this Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe because the cranberries themselves are so pretty. Sometimes, I add a few fresh rosemary sprigs on the platter for a pop of green and that lovely pine scent. A light drizzle of honey over the cranberries right before serving adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness that my family can’t resist.
Side Dishes
This cheese log pairs wonderfully with plain or lightly salted crackers, sliced apples or pears, and even some roasted nuts. For parties, I like to add some crunchy breadsticks and a small bowl of fig jam on the side—it’s a crowd-pleaser that turns simple snacking into a real event.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped the cheese log in fresh kale leaves and secured them with twine for a rustic look. Another fun idea is to serve the cheese log on a wooden board surrounded by fresh pomegranate seeds, which add vibrant color and juicy bites. No matter how you plate it, this Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe adds an inviting centerpiece everyone will reach for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have leftovers, I wrap the cheese log tightly in wax paper followed by plastic wrap to keep it airtight. Then, I store it in the fridge where it stays fresh and easy to slice for up to 3 days. This method also prevents the cheese from absorbing other fridge odors, which I learned the hard way once!
Freezing
While I generally prefer to enjoy this cheese log fresh, I have frozen it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil on occasion. The texture of the goat cheese changes slightly, becoming a bit crumbly after thawing, but it still tastes fine in a pinch. If you plan to freeze, slice it before freezing for easier portioning later.
Reheating
This recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you do want to warm it slightly, I recommend leaving it out on the counter for about 20 minutes to take off the chill, which helps soften the cheese without melting it.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese for this Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe?
Absolutely! While goat cheese gives a tangy, creamy base, you can experiment with cream cheese, feta, or a blend for a milder or richer flavor. Just keep the cheese firm enough to roll and hold the cranberries.
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How far ahead can I prepare this cranberry cheese log?
You can assemble it up to 2 days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. The flavors actually meld nicely over time, but just make sure to serve it within 3 days for the best texture and freshness.
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What’s the best way to serve this cheese log at a party?
Place it on a serving board surrounded by an assortment of crackers, fresh fruit slices, nuts, and maybe a few small bowls of honey or fruit preserves. This makes it easy for guests to create their perfect bite!
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Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and firm to stick well to the cheese, so I recommend sticking to dried cranberries or Craisins® for the right texture and sweetness balance.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe has quickly become a staple in my entertaining arsenal thanks to its festive appeal and effortless prep. I love how it looks stunning with minimal effort and how the flavors bring comfort and cheer in every bite. If you’re looking for a no-fuss yet impressive appetizer, give this a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Cranberry Cheese Log Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This elegant and easy-to-make Cranberry Cheese Log combines creamy goat cheese with the sweet and tart flavor of dried cranberries, accented by a hint of warm cinnamon. Perfect as a festive appetizer or snack, it pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors with minimal preparation time.
Ingredients
Cheese Log
- 8 oz log of goat cheese (chèvre)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Toppings and Serving
- Craisins® Dried Cranberries (about a large handful)
- Crackers, to serve with
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the 8 oz goat cheese log and place it on your work surface. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over each side of the cheese log to infuse it with warm spice.
- Soften the Cheese: If the cheese log is very cold and firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to become slightly sticky. This ensures the dried cranberries will adhere better during rolling.
- Apply the Cranberries: Pour a large handful of dried cranberries onto your work surface. Gently roll the cheese log over the dried cranberries to coat it evenly. Then, pick a few cranberries at a time and press them into any gaps or bare spots on the cheese, applying gentle pressure so they stick well.
- Serve or Store: If serving immediately, place the cranberry-coated cheese log on a serving plate alongside crackers. To store, wrap the cheese log tightly in wax paper like a tootsie roll, twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Allowing the cheese to warm slightly improves cranberry adhesion.
- Use good-quality dried cranberries like Craisins® for best flavor.
- Serve with a variety of crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days wrapped tightly.
- For added flavor, try sprinkling chopped nuts over the log in addition to cranberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese log with crackers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
