This Cranberry Walnut Holiday Cheese Log recipe has tons of flavor, texture, and it looks gorgeous. The green and red make it perfect for your Christmas parties, and it’s so easy to make!
Be sure to use a good quality white cheddar. It will add a ton of flavor. And toasting your nuts first releases their oils, intensifies the flavor, and makes them extra smoky and crunchy.
If you make this in advance, I suggest setting it out about 30 minutes before you serve it, which allows the cheese to soften and makes it easier for your guests to spread.
Some variations to this would be adding crumbled bacon, pine nuts, or any kind of fresh herb you like.
This is also delicious on turkey sandwiches, spread on tortillas for pinwheels, or as a dip along with pita chips and apples.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 green onion, top only, finely sliced
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, walnuts, green onion, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Using the same spoon, roughly form it into a log shape, and place the bowl in the refrigerator. It doesn't have to look perfect at this point. You'll be able to manipulate it when you add the coating.
- To make the coating, spread the green onions, walnuts, and cranberries on a large bowl or plate.
- Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator, and pick it up with your hands. Place it directly on the plate with the coating, and roll it to coat all sides. Most of the topping will stick immediately, but you can use your hands to press on any that falls off, filling in the bare spots.
- Gently pick up the log, and place it on your serving platter.
- Sprinkle additional cranberries, walnuts, and green onions around the platter for garnish.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sturdy veggies (like carrots and celery).
Your party guests will love this cheese log appetizer. Happy Holidays!!!
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Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
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Wow! It looks delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Wow, I love cream cheese! Let me try this recipe too, this looks so festive.
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