Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese Log
This Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese Log is a tasty and easy to prepare appetizer. Creamy goat cheese is rolled in crunchy toasted pistachios, sweet and tart dried cranberries, and drizzled with a touch of golden honey. Whether it's a festive holiday party, a cozy family get-together, or a casual wine night with friends, this gourmet appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This quick and easy appetizer takes only minutes to make, and can be made ahead!
This recipe is the simple version that everyone seems to love, but I have so many great recipe variations for this goat cheese log. To learn how to make this delicious and easy appetizer recipe, see the printable recipe card below or take a look at the recipe video. For recipe variation details, please visit the Pimp My Recipe section in my Blog Comments & Tips below.
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RECIPE
(Printable recipe card below.)
PISTACHIO CRANBERRY GOAT CHEESE LOG
Ingredients
Instructions
- To toast the nuts, heat a large fry pan (12 Inch) over medium heat. Once heated, add pistachios to the dry pan (no oil needed). Stirring then shaking pan frequently, toast nuts until fragrant (about 5-7 minutes - do not burn). Remover from heat. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper, spread out into a single layer, and let cool.
- Finely chop cranberries, then finely chop cooled pistachios. Add them to a rectangular glass storage container (11 cup) (see Note #2), and mix thoroughly to combine. Shake the container to spread into an even layer, then place the goat cheese on the mixture. Spoon the mixture over the log, then roll and firmly press the mixture into the goat cheese as you go. Continue this process, shaking the dish occasionally to spread out the mixture, until the log is well coated (including the ends).
- Transfer the goat cheese log onto a serving plate, drizzle with honey, and serve with crackers (my favorite are these rice crackers). If making ahead, cover the airtight container tightly, and refrigerate (see Note #4). Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe also works with an 8 ounce goat cheese log (try Trader Joe’s brand). Goat cheese should be refrigerated (chilled, not at room temperature) in order to retain its shape when you are working with it and coating it in the mixture. It can come to room temperature to soften after you coat it.
- To make rolling easy, use a rectangular dish with sides. You can use the larger or smaller containers (11 cup, 8 cup, or 6 cup), depending on the size of your goat cheese log. You want enough room on both sides so you can press the mixture into the ends.
- Please note that you will have some leftover pistachio and cranberry mixture. If you use the smaller log, you will have plenty leftover. Save the leftover mixture and sprinkle it on a salad or over Greek yogurt!
- Although goat cheese needs to be kept refrigerated, it is best served when at room temperature, so it’s soft and creamy when sliced. Refrigerate until about 15-20 minutes before serving. To retain its shape, transfer to a serving plate when cold, and allow it to come to room temperature on the serving plate.
- For some great recipe variations, visit the Pimp My Recipe section for this recipe in my Blog Comments & Tips on the website.
- Makes 10 servings (8 servings if using the 8 ounce log).
Nutrition Facts
Calories
150.18Fat (grams)
10.54 gSat. Fat (grams)
4.86 gCarbs (grams)
7.69 gFiber (grams)
1.16 gNet carbs
6.52 gSugar (grams)
5.63 gProtein (grams)
7.47 gSodium (milligrams)
110.37 mgCholesterol (grams)
13.69 mgNutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For the finishing touch, be sure to drizzle with some multi-floral or clover honey. It’s the perfect sweet and savory appetizer for the holidays or any gathering!
VIDEO
How to Make this Easy Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese Log!
Blog Comments & Tips
A delicious & super easy holiday appetizer recipe!
This Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese Log has the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors and textures (I guess the sweet and savory combo seems to be my thing - especially for appetizers!). Every time I’ve served this appetizer, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. It’s no wonder, when combining glorious ingredients like the velvety richness of goat cheese, the nutty crunch of pistachios, the sweet and chewy bit of dried cranberries, and the touch of golden honey for that perfect balance. This easy appetizer recipe can be made ahead, which makes it perfect when you are entertaining.
If you want to get creative, be sure to check out some great recipe variations in the Pimp My Recipe section below!
How do you ensure the best results from this recipe?
My 5 tips to making this easy Pistachio Cranberry Goat Cheese Log:
High quality ingredients are always key. Each time I’ve made this recipe, I have used either La Bonne Vie (10.5 ounce) or Trader Joe’s 8 ounce plain goat cheese. Both are great.
To bring out the flavor, start with raw pistachios and toast them yourself. It takes only minutes to do and makes a huge difference in the flavor. If you are short on time, then you can use roasted pistachios, but make sure they are unsalted. I wouldn’t recommend using raw pistachios, as they have a softer texture and less flavor. You want a bit of a crunch for this recipe.
To make rolling easy, use a rectangular dish with sides. You can use the larger or smaller containers, depending on the size of your goat cheese log. You want enough room on both sides so you can press the mixture into the ends.
Use a chilled goat cheese log when rolling it in the mixture. Otherwise, it will get pretty messy, and the goat cheese will lose its shape. If you will be serving right away, place it on a serving plate immediately after rolling. If making ahead, keep the coated goat cheese log in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
It is best served when at room temperature, so it’s soft and creamy when sliced. Refrigerate until about 15-20 minutes before serving. To retain its shape, transfer to a serving plate when cold, and allow it to come to room temperature on the serving plate.
It’s time to customize and Pimp My Recipe.
Pimp My Recipe:
Make it With Herbs: Add about ¼ teaspoon (or to taste) finely chopped fresh rosemary to the cranberry and pistachio mixture.
Make it Other Nuts: Replace the pistachios with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Make it Spiced: Add ⅛ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mixture, and be sure to mix it very well before rolling the goat cheese.
Make it Citrusy: Add ¼ teaspoon fresh orange zest to the mixture.
Don’t Like Dried Cranberries? Replace the dried cranberries with chopped dried tart cherries or chopped raisins.
Don’t Like Goat Cheese? Although I think goat cheese gives it the perfect combination of flavors, there are some people who don’t like goat cheese. For a mild alternative, try forming a block of cream cheese into a log shape. Just roll in plastic wrap, twist the ends (like a candy wrapper), and refrigerate to solidify. Once chilled, roll in mixture as directed. Then let it come to room temperature before serving.
Enjoy and let me know what you think by commenting below, rating my recipes, subscribing, following, and liking Prep My Recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on new recipes and tips & tricks.
Happy Cooking!
Mich
Footnote: Remember when coating the goat cheese, be sure to firmly press and roll it in the mixture until you hardly see any white.
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