Looking for something festive, creamy, and crowd-pleasing? This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is the easiest and prettiest holiday appetizer you’ll ever make. With tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, it’s a true showstopper on any Christmas appetizer spread. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, ready in under 15 minutes.
- Looks beautiful on your holiday table without much effort.
- Perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors for amazing Christmas appetizers.
Ingredients
Each ingredient has a role in creating a creamy, colorful, and flavorful log that tastes like the holidays.
- Cream cheese: The smooth, tangy base that holds everything together.
- Dried cranberries: Add pops of sweetness and festive red color.
- Chopped pistachios: Bring crunch and a hint of salt for balance.
- Honey: Adds light sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Garlic powder: A tiny touch gives depth without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a lovely green hue for presentation.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this beautiful cheese log appetizer together. It’s so easy you’ll be done before your guests arrive!
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in half of the chopped cranberries and pistachios until evenly mixed.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the mixture onto it and roll into a log shape.
- Spread the remaining cranberries and pistachios on a flat plate. Roll the log gently to coat all sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t use cold cream cheese, it won’t mix smoothly.
- Skip salty nuts, they can make the cranberry pistachio cheese log too salty.
- Don’t skip chilling time, the log needs firmness to slice nicely.
Pro Tips
- Use roasted pistachios for deeper flavor.
- Drizzle a little extra honey before serving for shine and sweetness.
- Make ahead and store overnight, flavors get even better.
- Pair it with crisp salami cups for a mix of textures in your Christmas savory food.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese log looks beautiful on a wooden board surrounded by crackers, grapes, and nuts. Add a few slices of Cranberry Brie Tartlets and some Easy Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for unique Christmas appetizers everyone will talk about.
Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log
Ingredients
Cheese Log Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Filling & Coating
- 1 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped, divided
- 1 cup roasted pistachios shelled and chopped, divided
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in half of the cranberries and pistachios until evenly mixed.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the mixture onto it and roll into a log shape.
- Spread the remaining cranberries and pistachios on a flat plate. Roll the log gently to coat all sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- You can prepare this up to 3 days in advance.
- Pistachios can be swapped with other chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
FAQs
Can I make the cheese log ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it 2 to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The flavors will actually blend better, making it a great choice for Christmas Eve easy dinner ideas.
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Definitely. You can try almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Just make sure they’re chopped small so they stick well. Pistachios are classic for that pretty green color, but any nut will work for your holiday appetizers.
How long does the cheese log last?
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best creamy texture. It’s a reliable choice for Christmas Day snacks or leftovers the next morning.
Conclusion
With its creamy texture, festive colors, and irresistible flavor, this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log is sure to be one of your new favorite decorative Christmas appetizers. Pin it now, so you can add it to your next Christmas appetizer spread and wow your guests with something simple, pretty, and delicious.
