Festive Cranberry & Mixed Nuts Cheese Log

The Foodies' KitchenDecember 17, 2022

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This festive cheese log can be made days in advance so it’s the perfect stress-free appetizer for the Holidays. We do recommend you use a firm cream cheese, such as Philadelphia Cream Cheese, it will hold its shape so much better!

You can make this at least 2 days ahead of time keeping it tightly wrapped in plastic film. When it’s time to serve, just arrange your bread or crackers of choice and drizzle the log with a little honey.

We used Naú mixed nuts in their new Ginger and Pineapple variety, which will be available at stores soon! You can also try their Cranberry variety which is already available at supermarkets.

Festive Cranberry & Mixed Nuts Cheese Log

The cranberry and mixed nuts are not only pressed on the outside of the log but are mixed into the cream cheese as well, so you will get a lot of flavor in every spreadable bite.

The mixture of spices we use for this log is on the sweet and herbaceous side, we used honey, cinnamon, and ginger and for savory seasoning, we used thyme, salt, and pepper. You can leave any of them out, or use more or less depending on your taste. We definitely don’t recommend using garlic, onion, or any of the more savory spices.

Helga & Kitty

Festive Cranberry & Mixed Nuts Cheese Log

Recipe adapted from Carlsbad Cravings
Makes 1 log, enough for 6 people

Ingredients, for the coating mix:
1 ¼ cups dried cranberries
1 cup Naú mixed nuts

Ingredients, for the cheese log:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh thyme
⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

Chop the cranberries and mixed nuts. Remove ½ cup of the mix and reserve the rest.
To a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, spices, honey, and 1/2 cup of the mix.
Place the cheese mix on a large piece of plastic wrap, and form a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. It needs to be slightly firm so it can hold its shape but still soft enough to be coated properly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and add the coating mix, spreading the mix into a single layer. Place the cheese log on top of the coating, and roll until evenly coated, pressing so it sticks. The log can be refrigerated until ready to serve or serve immediately.
When ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator 15 minutes beforehand so it can soften. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving. Serve with crackers.

Have you made this recipe?

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