Description
This Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log is a festive, flavorful appetizer that brings together sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
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)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese.
- Mix in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well‑combined.
- Stir in half of the chopped nuts, reserving the rest for coating.
- Place the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log, using the wrap to help mold it.
- Roll the log in the remaining nuts and optionally extra cranberries or parsley to coat the outside.
- Tightly wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up and for flavors to blend.
- Before serving, unwrap and place the log on a platter with crackers, sliced apples or bread for spreading.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne when mixing the cheese log.
- For extra sweetness, stir in a teaspoon of honey before shaping the log.
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries for variation.
- For a nut‑free version, roll the log in crushed pretzels or toasted seeds instead of nuts.
- This cheese log can be made a day ahead—wrap and refrigerate, then coat with nuts/cranberries and serve just before guests arrive.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 of 12)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
