Save A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese logs coated with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy nuts beautifully arranged with accompaniments for a stunning board presentation.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my home because it combines creamy goat cheese with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of nuts in a visually stunning board arrangement.
Ingredients
- Cheese Logs: 2 (150 g each) goat cheese logs
- Cheese Logs: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- Cheese Logs: 1/3 cup pistachios or pecans, finely chopped
- Cheese Logs: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup seedless green grapes
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup toasted baguette slices
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup honey
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup sliced radishes
- Board Accompaniments: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a shallow bowl combine the chopped cranberries chopped nuts and parsley (if using)
- Step 2:
- Roll each goat cheese log in the cranberry-nut mixture pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly
- Step 3:
- Place the coated goat cheese logs on a large serving board
- Step 4:
- Arrange grapes crackers baguette slices almonds or walnuts cucumber slices and radishes around the cheese logs
- Step 5:
- Drizzle honey over the logs or serve on the side
- Step 6:
- Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately allowing guests to spread cheese on crackers or bread with accompaniments
Save This recipe always brings my family together especially during holidays when we enjoy assembling the board and sharing stories over bites.
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Small bowls for toppings Serving board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (goat cheese) Tree nuts (pistachios pecans almonds walnuts) Wheat (if using regular crackers or baguette) For gluten-free option use gluten-free crackers and bread Always check product labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 7 g per serving
Save This appetizer is a quick and impressive option perfect for any gathering or festive occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prepare the cranberry coating?
Finely chop dried cranberries and mix them with chopped pistachios or pecans, then roll the goat cheese logs in this mixture to coat evenly.
- → What accompaniments pair well with the cheese logs?
Seedless red and green grapes, assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and honey complement the creamy cheese and cranberry coating beautifully.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free crackers and bread to keep the board gluten-free while maintaining all flavors.
- → Are there any nut-free alternatives for the coating?
For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and increase the amount of dried cranberries or substitute with pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- → What drinks pair well with these cheese logs?
A crisp white wine or sparkling rosé pairs nicely, enhancing the sweet and savory notes on the board.
- → How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This flavorful appetizer comes together quickly, requiring about 15 minutes of preparation time with no cooking needed.