Save A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese logs coated with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy nuts beautifully arranged with accompaniments for a stunning board presentation.
This is one of my favorite go-to recipes for holiday gatherings because it impresses guests while requiring minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Cheese Logs: 2 (150 g each) goat cheese logs
- Cheese Logs: 1/2 cup dried cranberries finely chopped
- Cheese Logs: 1/3 cup pistachios or pecans finely chopped
- Cheese Logs: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup seedless green grapes
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)
- Board Accompaniments: 1/2 cup toasted baguette slices
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup honey
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- Board Accompaniments: 1/4 cup sliced radishes
- Board Accompaniments: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a shallow bowl combine the chopped cranberries chopped nuts and parsley (if using)
- Step 2:
- Roll each goat cheese log in the cranberry-nut mixture pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly
- Step 3:
- Place the coated goat cheese logs on a large serving board
- Step 4:
- Arrange grapes crackers baguette slices almonds or walnuts cucumber slices and radishes around the cheese logs
- Step 5:
- Drizzle honey over the logs or serve on the side
- Step 6:
- Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately allowing guests to spread cheese on crackers or bread with accompaniments
Save My family always enjoys assembling this board together before celebrations it brings everyone closer.
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Small bowls for toppings Serving board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (goat cheese) Tree nuts (pistachios pecans almonds walnuts) Wheat (if using regular crackers or baguette) For gluten-free option use gluten-free crackers and bread Always check product labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 7 g per serving
Save This appetizer is simple yet elegant perfect for any festive occasion.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of cheese is used in the logs?
Soft goat cheese logs provide a creamy and tangy base that pairs well with the sweet and nutty coating.
- → Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, dried apricots or figs can be used for a different sweet note while maintaining texture.
- → How do I make this suitable for nut allergies?
Omit the nuts and substitute with extra dried fruit or seeds like pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- → What accompaniments are suggested on the board?
Fresh grapes, assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, sliced cucumbers, and radishes create a balanced and colorful presentation.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers and bread alternatives.
- → How should I serve the cheese logs?
Place the coated logs on a large board surrounded by accompaniments, drizzle with honey, and garnish with rosemary for a festive touch.