Name: Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup crushed pineapple, well‑drained; 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; Extra chopped nuts and cranberries or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is a festive, flavorful appetizer that brings a sweet and savory twist to any holiday spread. I love the way the tart cranberries and juicy pineapple mingle with creamy cheese, creating a delicious bite that looks just as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love serving this cheese log during the holidays because it’s beautiful, easy to prepare, and always a crowd favorite. The mix of tangy cream cheese, sweet pineapple, and chewy cranberries is perfectly balanced with a hint of savory seasoning. It’s ideal for making ahead of time, and I can pair it with crackers, veggies, or even sliced apples for a versatile and festive starter. Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Crushed pineapple, well-drained
Dried cranberries, chopped
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Green onions, finely chopped
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Chopped parsley or extra cranberries and nuts for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Then I mix in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
I stir in half of the chopped nuts, saving the rest for coating the outside.
I scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log, using the wrap to help form it.
Once shaped, I roll the cheese log in the remaining chopped nuts and a few extra cranberries or parsley if I want it to look extra festive.
I wrap it tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors blend and the texture firm up.
Before serving, I place it on a platter with crackers or sliced fruits for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and should chill for at least 2 hours before serving, though I often make it a day ahead.

Variations

When I want a smoky flavor, I mix in a bit of smoked paprika For a slightly sweeter version, I add a spoonful of honey. I’ve also swapped out cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries with great results. If I need a nut-free version, I roll the log in crushed pretzels or toasted seeds instead.

Storage/reheating

I store the cheese log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I don’t reheat it—it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If I want to freeze it, I wrap it tightly and freeze before rolling in nuts, then thaw in the fridge and coat it before serving. Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log

FAQs

Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day or two ahead. The flavors actually improve as it chills, and it saves me time on the day of the event.

What can I serve with the cheese log?

I like to serve it with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies like celery and bell pepper strips. Sliced apples or pears also pair nicely with the sweet and savory flavors.

Can I make it into a ball instead of a log?

Absolutely. I sometimes shape it into a cheese ball if I want a different presentation—it works just the same.

What if I don’t like pineapple?

I can leave out the pineapple and replace it with more cranberries or even a bit of finely diced apple for texture and sweetness.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Yes, I sometimes use pineapple or chive-flavored cream cheese for an extra punch of flavor, but I reduce the added seasonings slightly to balance it.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is a festive favorite that’s as pretty as it is delicious. I love how easy it is to make, how well it holds up in the fridge, and how quickly it disappears at gatherings. It’s a sweet and savory classic that adds a bright, flavorful twist to my holiday table.