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- 8 oz goat cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Assorted crackers or sliced baguette, for serving You can add a few more ingredients to make this dish even better. Consider using: - 1 tablespoon orange zest for a bright flavor - A pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat - Chopped fresh thyme for a different herb note These optional items can transform your cheese log into something special. Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log pairs well with many items. Here are some great choices: - Crisp crackers for a nice crunch - Fresh baguette slices to soak up flavors - Sliced apples or pears for a sweet touch - A drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth I love to present this log with a garnish of rosemary and whole walnuts. It adds a lovely touch and makes it even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need 8 ounces of goat cheese. Make sure it is soft, as this helps with mixing. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Use a fork to mix everything in a medium bowl. Keep mixing until it is smooth. Next, take a large piece of plastic wrap. Lay it flat on your counter. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center of the wrap. Carefully lift the edges of the wrap to form a log. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to keep the shape tight. This helps the log hold together well. Now, place the wrapped log in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it firm and easier to handle later. While it chills, prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup of chopped cranberries and 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts. Stir them well to combine. After 30 minutes, take the cheese log out of the fridge. Carefully unwrap it from the plastic. Roll the log in the cranberry and walnut mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks. Once coated, place the log on a serving platter. Let it sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Serve your Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log with assorted crackers or sliced baguette. Enjoy the delicious mix of flavors! To get the best texture for your cheese log, start with soft goat cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This makes it easy to mix. Use a fork or spatula to blend in honey, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. If your log feels too soft, chill it for another 15 minutes. This will help it hold its shape better. Avoid using cold goat cheese. It will not mix well and stay lumpy. Another mistake is not chilling the log long enough. If it is too soft, it will lose its shape when coating. Make sure you coat it evenly. Press the cranberry and walnut mixture gently to help it stick. If you skip this step, the coating may fall off. For a great presentation, place your cheese log on a nice platter. Add some extra rosemary sprigs or whole walnuts around it. This adds color and makes it look fancy. Let the log sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix and makes it easier to slice. Serve it with assorted crackers or sliced baguette for a tasty treat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh rosemary and high-quality goat cheese to elevate the flavors of your cheese log. Customize the Coating: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, such as pecans or apricots, for a unique twist. Chill for Best Results: Ensure your cheese log is properly chilled before serving for a firmer texture that holds its shape better. Presentation Matters: Add colorful garnishes like pomegranate seeds or edible flowers to make your serving platter visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can change the outside of your cheese log to mix things up. Instead of walnuts, try pecans or almonds. Both add a sweet crunch. For dried fruits, use apricots or figs. They give a different taste that pairs well with goat cheese. You can even mix different nuts and fruits for a fun twist. The options are endless, so get creative! Herbs and spices can change the flavor of your cheese log. Fresh thyme or chives give a fresh taste. You could also add a pinch of garlic powder for a savory kick. If you like heat, a dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice warmth. Experiment with these flavors. Adjust them to fit your taste buds, and watch your cheese log become a star at any gathering. The way you serve your cheese log can make it even better! Instead of just crackers or baguette, try fresh veggies like cucumber or bell peppers. They add a crisp bite. You can also serve it with fruit slices, like apples or pears. They bring a sweet balance to the tangy cheese. Don't forget to include some honey or a fruit spread for added flavor. These simple changes can elevate your cheese log experience. To keep your Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the cheese log for up to three months. First, wrap it well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, transfer it to the fridge for 24 hours to thaw slowly. This keeps the texture nice. The cheese log should last up to five days in the fridge if stored properly. If you notice any mold or off smells, it’s best to throw it away. When serving, let it sit at room temperature for about ten minutes. This brings out the flavor and makes it easier to slice. Proper handling will keep your cheese log delicious and safe to eat. You can use cream cheese if you want a milder taste. It gives a creamy texture. Another good choice is feta cheese. Feta adds a salty kick that contrasts with sweet cranberries. Neufchâtel cheese works too. It's similar to cream cheese but has less fat. Each option will change the flavor, so choose what you like best. The cheese log lasts about five days in the fridge. It stays fresh if you wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container. After a few days, the flavors mix more, which can be nice. Just check for any mold or off smells before you eat it. Yes, you can make this cheese log ahead of time. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings. You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Take it out about ten minutes before serving. This lets the flavors shine more. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log. We discussed key ingredients and shared tips for mixing, shaping, and serving. You learned about flavor variations and storing leftovers properly. This easy recipe adds fun to any gathering. With a few simple steps, you can impress your guests. So, gather your ingredients and get started. Enjoy every tasty bite!

Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log

A delightful cheese log coated with cranberries and walnuts, perfect for serving with crackers or baguette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz goat cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste assorted crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, minced rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper. Using a fork or a spatula, mix the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  • Next, place a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean, flat surface. Spoon the goat cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Carefully wrap the cheese mixture by lifting the edges of the plastic wrap, shaping it into a tight log as you roll. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the shape, ensuring no air can escape.
  • Refrigerate the shaped log for at least 30 minutes or until it becomes firm and easier to handle.
  • While your cheese log is chilling, prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, add the chopped cranberries and finely chopped walnuts. Mix them together thoroughly to create an even coating.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the cheese log from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Roll the log in the cranberry walnut mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick evenly all over the surface.
  • Transfer the coated cheese log onto a serving platter. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes prior to serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Serve the flavorful Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log with an assortment of your favorite crackers or freshly sliced baguette.

Notes

Garnish the platter with a few extra sprigs of fresh rosemary or whole walnuts for an eye-catching touch.
Keyword appetizer, cheese log, cranberry, goat cheese, walnut