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Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe

Easy Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log

A creamy no-bake holiday cheese log blended with honey, dried cranberries, and optional orange zest, then finished with a colorful cranberry-pistachio coating. It is an easy make-ahead appetizer for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces Soft goat cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries, finely chopped, divided
  • 1/2 cup Shelled pistachios, finely chopped, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon Finely grated orange zest

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Allow the cream cheese and goat cheese to soften fully at room temperature. This helps them blend into a smooth mixture without stubborn lumps.
  2. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, kosher salt, and orange zest, if using, until creamy and fully combined.
  3. Stir in 1/4 cup of the finely chopped dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of the finely chopped pistachios. Mix just until the additions are distributed throughout the cheese.
  4. Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap or parchment and shape it into a compact log approximately 6–7 inches long. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
  5. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup cranberries and 1/4 cup pistachios on a plate. Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the coating, pressing gently so the pieces adhere evenly.
  6. For easier slicing, refrigerate the finished cheese log until firm, then let it stand at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Slice or serve whole with crackers, crostini, apple slices, or pear slices.

Notes

Soften both cheeses completely before mixing and chill the shaped log before adding the coating. For variations, replace some or all of the goat cheese with additional cream cheese, add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, chives, or parsley, use maple syrup instead of honey, or add a small amount of freshly ground black pepper.