This five Ingredient Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log is a delicious and festive appetiser that is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Made with a combination of cream cheese and goat cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, this tasty treat is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Your guests will love the combination of flavours and textures in the Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log. It’s a tasty and impressive appetiser that will surely be a hit at your next holiday party.
If you are looking for some more delicious ideas to serve at your next party or Christmas celebration, you will love my Ultimate Dessert Grazing Platter and Rum Balls!
Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients – with just a handful of easy-to-buy ingredients, you will have no trouble making this delicious Christmas cheese log recipe!
- Delicious and unique – the combination of flavours is both delicious and unique. The bite of the goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the cranberries, and the pistachios add a satisfying crunch.
- Versatile – it’s a versatile recipe that can be served as an appetiser, a snack, or even as a light lunch with crackers.
- Easy to make – it’s incredibly simple to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
- Festive – a festive and impressive dish that is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
- Perfect for sharing – I’m sure no one will be able to resist this tasty party food, made to be shared!
- You can make this recipe with a Thermomix if you like. You will find both conventional and Thermomix methods in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
What You Need
Just 5 Ingredients!
Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.
- Dried cranberries – add a sweet and tart flavour to the dip, as well as a pop of colour.
- Pistachios – add crunch and a salty, nutty flavour to the dip. You could substiture with another type of nut if you prefer.
- Goat cheese – adds a tangy and slightly salty taste to the dip, as well as a creamy texture.
- Cream cheese – such as the classic Philly cream cheese, adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dip and helps to balance out the tanginess of the goat cheese. Use at room temperature.
- Honey – adds a touch of sweetness to the dip, as well as a rich flavour. You could also use agave, if you prefer.
Equipment Required
No fancy equipment is required to make this delicious cheese log!
You will need:
- Food Processor or a Thermomix.
- Mixing Bowl.
- Plastic Wrap.
Step By Step Instructions
This is a great recipe to have on hand when unexpected visitors call in. Just add some crackers and enjoy!
Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.
Step 1 – Chop The Fruit And Nuts
To make this dip, first, chop the dried cranberries and set them aside. Then, if using a food processor, use the pulse function to finely chop the pistachios and set them aside.
If using a Thermomix, use the Turbo function to chop the pistachios and set them aside. Repeat with the dried cranberries.
Step 2 – Mix The Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey. Add ¼ cup of the finely chopped pistachios and ¼ cup of the chopped cranberries and mix until well combined.
Step 3 – Wrap And Refrigerate
Next, place a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and shape the cheese mixture into a log shape. Wrap the log in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Step 4 – Coat With Toppings
Once the cheese log has chilled, place the remaining chopped cranberries and pistachios on a flat tray or piece of baking paper.
Unwrap the cheese log and coat it with the extra dried cranberries and pistachios.
Step 5 – Chill And Serve
Refrigerate the cheese log until ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, remove the cheese log from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Serve it with a drizzle of honey, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use dried cranberries, not fresh ones.
- If you don’t have pistachios on hand, you can use another type of nuts that you like, such as chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so that they are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Honey is an excellent sweetener for this dip, but you can also use agave if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste.
- It’s important to refrigerate the cheese log for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop and for the log to firm up. This will also make it easier to coat the log with the dried cranberries and pistachios.
- Before serving, be sure to remove the cheese log from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and for the flavours to really shine through. This will also make it easier to spread on crackers or bread.
- To add even more flavour to the dip, you can try mixing in some herbs or spices, such as chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or ground spices like cumin or paprika. Experiment with different combinations to find the flavour that you like best.
FAQ’s
How do you store a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log?
To store a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge.
Can you make a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log ahead of time?
Sure, you can definitely make a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log ahead of time. In fact, it’s an excellent option for a make-ahead appetizer, as it needs to be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to firm up. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can you serve with a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log?
T are many tasty options for serving a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log. Some delicious options include serving with crackers, sliced baguettes, sliced fruit, nuts, or raw veggies. You can also serve it with a drizzle of honey or a balsamic glaze for added flavour.
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Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log
This five Ingredient Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log is a delicious and festive appetiser that is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: western
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20 serves
Calories: 160kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a food processor, chop the dried cranberries into small pieces. Set aside. If using a Thermomix: use the Turbo function and mix in 1 second intervals until finely chopped. Set aside.
- Place the pistachios into the food processor and chop finely.If using a Thermomix: use the Turbo function and mix in 1 second intervals until finely chopped. Set aside.
- Place the goat cheese, cream cheese and honey into a bowl. Add ¼ cup of the chopped pistachios and ¼ cup of the chopped cranberries. Mix until well combined.
- Place a sheet of plastic wrap onto a flat bench. Shape the cheese mixture into a log shape and wrap in the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Place the remaining chopped cranberries and pistachios onto a flat tray or piece of baking paper.
- Unwrap the cheese log and coat with the extra dried cranberries and pistachios.
- Refrigerate until required. Remove the cheese log from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey (optional).
Notes
RECIPE NOTES & TIPS:
- Make sure to use dried cranberries and not fresh ones.
- If you don’t have pistachios on hand, you can use another type of nut that you like, such as chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so that they are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Honey is an excellent sweetener for this dip, but you can also use agave if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste.
- It’s important to refrigerate the cheese log for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and for the log to firm up. This will also make it easier to coat the log with the dried cranberries and pistachios.
- Before serving, be sure to remove the cheese log from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. This will make it easier to spread on crackers or bread.
- To add even more flavour to the dip, you can try mixing in some herbs or spices, such as chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or ground spices like cumin or paprika. Experiment with different combinations to find the flavour that you like best.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
Recipe by CookGoodRecipes.com
