Pin It 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 appetizer has been a staple at our holiday parties for years and always impresses guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Cheese Logs: 2 (150 g each) goat cheese logs
- Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Pistachios or pecans: 1/3 cup, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (optional)
- Seedless red grapes: 1/2 cup
- Seedless green grapes: 1/2 cup
- Assorted crackers: 1/2 cup (gluten-free if needed)
- Toasted baguette slices: 1/2 cup
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Roasted almonds or walnuts: 1/4 cup
- Sliced cucumbers: 1/4 cup
- Sliced radishes: 1/4 cup
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, chopped nuts, and parsley (if using).
- Coat cheese logs:
- Roll each goat cheese log in the cranberry-nut mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Arrange on board:
- Place the coated goat cheese logs on a large serving board.
- Add accompaniments:
- Arrange grapes, crackers, baguette slices, almonds or walnuts, cucumber slices, and radishes around the cheese logs.
- Drizzle honey:
- Drizzle honey over the logs or serve on the side.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to spread cheese on crackers or bread with accompaniments.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together, creating warm holiday memories as we share stories and enjoy the festive board.
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
Pin It 
Enjoy this easy yet elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests and add festive joy to any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used for the logs?
Soft goat cheese logs provide a creamy base that pairs well with the sweet and crunchy coatings.
- → Can I substitute the nuts used in the coating?
Yes, pistachios or pecans are common choices, but you can use walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor.
- → How should the cheese logs be served?
Arrange them on a serving board with accompaniments like grapes, crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetables for an inviting presentation.
- → Are there any recommended accompaniments for this dish?
Fresh grapes, assorted crackers, toasted bread slices, cucumber and radish slices, and a drizzle of honey complement the cheese beautifully.
- → Is there a way to make this suitable for nut allergies?
Omit the nuts and increase the amount of dried cranberries or substitute with pumpkin seeds to maintain texture and flavor.