Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log Recipe

Introduction

This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and a little sweet, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh veggies. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for rolling)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until softened for easy mixing.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
3. Step 3: Stir in crushed pineapple (very well-drained), chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap and use the wrap to form a log about 6–8 inches long. Wrap tightly.
5. Step 5: Chill the wrapped log in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
6. Step 6: Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in chopped pecans. Press gently to adhere the nuts evenly.
7. Step 7: Transfer to a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crackers or veggie sticks.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure to drain the pineapple very well to avoid a watery cheese log.
• For a different nutty flavor, try rolling the cheese log in chopped walnuts or almonds.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use scallions instead of green onions for a milder onion flavor.

Storage

Store the cheese log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, serve chilled. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Leftover cheese log can be refrigerated and served again, but avoid freezing as it may change the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese log ahead of time?

Yes, the cheese log actually benefits from chilling overnight, which helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice or spread.

What can I serve with this cheese log?

This cheese log pairs perfectly with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.

Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A festive and flavorful Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log combining creamy sharp cheddar and cream cheese with sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and a crunchy pecan coating. Perfect as a holiday appetizer served with crackers or veggie sticks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Coating and Garnish

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for rolling)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Soften Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until softened to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth texture.
2. Combine Cheeses: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
4. Form the Log: Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a 6–8 inch long log. Wrap it tightly to maintain the shape.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the log to firm up for easier handling.
6. Apply Pecan Coating: Unwrap the chilled cheese log and roll it evenly in the chopped pecans. Press gently so the nuts adhere well to the surface.
7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated log to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled alongside crackers or veggie sticks.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the crushed pineapple is very well-drained to prevent the cheese log from becoming watery.
• The cheese log can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• Use fresh green onions for a mild but fresh onion flavor—scallions may be substituted.
• To make the log more festive, consider rolling it in finely chopped fresh herbs mixed with pecans.
• Serve with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks such as celery and carrot for a colorful presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: holiday cheese log, pineapple cranberry cheese ball, festive appetizer, cream cheese appetizer, pecan cheese log