Description
This Orange Cranberry Cheese Log is a delightful appetizer with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy cheese, sweet orange, and tart cranberries. It’s an easy and festive dish that’s perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or as a snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened (or more cream cheese for a milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese (or more cream cheese) and beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the orange zest, fresh orange juice, honey, and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Stir in the chopped dried cranberries and optional toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and spoon the cheese mixture onto the center. Use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a log shape, then twist the ends of the wrap to seal it.
- Refrigerate the cheese log for at least 2-3 hours, or until it firms up.
- Before serving, optionally roll the log in additional chopped cranberries, toasted nuts, and fresh parsley for extra texture and garnish.
- Serve the cheese log with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the goat cheese with all cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a bit more tartness, you can add a few tablespoons of cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries to the cheese mixture.
- This cheese log can be made a day in advance and refrigerated overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of log)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg