Christmas Cheese Log

This Christmas Cheese Log is the absolute BEST appetizer. The combination of pistachios with dried cranberries gives the prettiest Christmas colors, and the orange zest gives it such a bright flavor. And you definitely don’t need to limit it to just Christmas because it’s still great year around too! This cheese log is nutty, creamy, and full of bright flavors that go together perfectly. It also is quick and easy to make, which is great for any last-minute appetizer needs!

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Nutritional benefits of this recipe

• For the healthiest dairy products, I always recommend buying grass-fed. Better yet, if you can support a local farm that has grass-fed cows and dairy products, then do that!
• Pistachios are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin B6, and potassium, supporting energy production, blood sugar balance, and overall metabolic health.
• Pecans are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals like zinc and magnesium, supporting heart health, brain function, and cellular protection.
• Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats, supporting skin health, balanced blood sugar, and sustained energy.
• Dried cranberries are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, along with small amounts of fiber and vitamin C, supporting immune health and overall cellular protection. I always recommend choosing dried cranberries without added sugar – they’re still delicious without the sugar and much, much healthier!
• Orange zest is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and aromatic essential oils, supporting immune health, digestion, and overall antioxidant protection while adding bright, natural flavor.

Ingredients for Christmas Cheese Log

Cream cheese – use a cream cheese block, not the creamy container type – you want it to be firm.

Sharp white cheddar cheese – I recommend finely grating the cheese (rather than shredding) for better texture – it mixes into the cream cheese perfectly to add flavor without adding noticeable chunks.

Pistachios

Pecans

Almonds

Dried cranberries – I always recommend buying unsweetened.

Orange zest – adds the perfect little bright touch.

Salt

How to make a Christmas Cheese Log

1. Mix together the cream cheese, freshly grated sharp white cheddar, orange zest, and several large pinches of salt until thoroughly combined.
2. Chop up the nuts and mix together. Chop up the cranberries separately.
3. Add 1/4 cup (35g) of the chopped nut mixture to the cheese mixture as well as 3 Tablespoons (30g) of the diced cranberries and mix together. (save the rest for later).
4. Put a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Form the mixture into a 8-inch log and wrap tightly – it helps to just use the plastic wrap to form the log instead of your fingers because it doesn’t stick to the plastic wrap. If you have the time, then place in the refrigerator for 60 minutes or the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up so that it keeps its shape when rolling in the nuts and cranberries.
5. Put the chopped nuts and cranberries onto a plate and spread out.
6. After chilling the cheese log, remove it from the plastic wrap and roll it in the nut and cranberry mixture, completely coating it on all sides.
7. Garnish with orange zest if desired and serve immediately or tightly cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It may need 10-15 minutes to soften if stored in the fridge for a while. Serve with crackers of choice.

Modifications and variations

• Add some cinnamon to the cheese mixture for a pop of warm Christmas flavor – I would guess about 1/4 teaspoon would be good, but adjust to taste!
• Use any other dried fruit in place of the cranberries (or add with the cranberries for more flavor) – Dried apricots or dates would be so delicious!
• You can add a touch of sweetness by drizzling some honey or maple syrup into the cream cheese mixture.

Other appetizers you’ll love

Whipped Goat Cheese with Honey and Thyme

Spinach Artichoke Hummus

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

I hope you love this Christmas Cheese Log! Please be sure to leave a comment and a rating if you give this recipe a try. I would love to hear how it turned out for you!

Christmas Cheese Log

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An easy and healthy appetizer for Christmas, New Years Eve, or any hosting event! This Christmas Cheese Log is delicious and super easy to make.

• Author: Christine Manes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Category: appetizer

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz cream cheese (226g)

1 cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar (40g)

Zest from 1 orange

Several large pinches of salt, to taste

1/4 scant cup diced pistachios (30g)

3 Tbsp diced pecans (25g)

3 Tbsp diced almonds (25g)

1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries, diced (80g)

Optional additions:

1/8–1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (mixed into the cheese mixture in step 1)

A drizzle of honey (mixed into the cheese mixture in step 1)

Garnish with more orange zest if desired

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Instructions

1. Mix together the cream cheese, freshly grated sharp white cheddar, orange zest, and several large pinches of salt until thoroughly combined.
2. Chop up the nuts (about 1/2 cup total) and mix together. Chop up the cranberries separately.
3. Add 2 tablespoons (16g) of the chopped nut mixture to the cheese mixture as well as 3 Tablespoons (30g) of the diced cranberries and mix together. (save the rest for later).
4. Put a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Form the mixture into a 8-inch log and wrap tightly – it helps to just use the plastic wrap to form the log instead of your fingers because it doesn’t stick to the plastic wrap. If you have the time, then place in the refrigerator for 60 minutes or the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up so that it keeps its shape when rolling in the nuts and cranberries.
5. Put the chopped nuts and cranberries onto a plate and spread out.
6. After chilling the cheese log, remove it from the plastic wrap and roll it in the nut and cranberry mixture, completely coating it on all sides.
7. Garnish with orange zest if desired and serve immediately or tightly cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It may need 10-15 to soften if stored in the fridge for a while. Serve with crackers of choice.

Modifications and variations

• Add some cinnamon to the cheese mixture for a pop of warm Christmas flavor – I would guess about 1/4 teaspoon would be good, but adjust to taste!
• Add a touch of sweetness by drizzling some honey or maple syrup into the cream cheese mixture.
• Use any other dried fruit in place of the cranberries (or add with the cranberries for more flavor) – Dried apricots or dates would be so delicious! 

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