This easy goat cheese log recipe can be made in a few minutes and makes a beautiful presentation to serve or bring to the party.
It's funny what can inspire you to make something. I bought this gorgeous multi-colored wooden board from a friend and I couldn't wait to show it off at our Christmas party.
I wanted to make sure I didn't ruin it so I went with a simple goat cheese log appetizer covered in yummy pistachios and sugared cranberries.
If you are interested in seeing more of these beautiful boards and possibly purchasing one or two for yourself can find them at AP Woodworkings, a father and daughter small handicraft business. (PS this is not an affiliate link. I just wanted to show off my friend's beautiful work)
Ingredients
- sugared cranberries
- shelled pistachios
- goat cheese log
Though some people love the creamy smooth texture of goat cheese, the flavor can be a little on the tart side. So I thought adding crushed nuts and sugared cranberries would work well with the cheese and the tangy flavor. You can see how I make sugared cranberries in the middle of this Winter Woodland Cake Recipe post.
Making a Goat Cheese Log with Pistachios and Sugared Cranberries
Step 1. First, the sugared cranberries are crushed up in a food processor. However, you can do this by hand too.
Step 2. The same goes for the pistachios. Chop them finely in a food processor, by hand, or with some other chopping mechanism.
Step 3. Then set out your cranberries and pistachios in bowls.
Step 4. Spread a layer of pistachios on a mat and roll the goat cheese log into the nuts. You can roll it a few times, pressing slightly to get the coverage you like.
Step 5. Next spoon the chopped sugared cranberries on top.
Place your goat cheese log on a pretty board or plate and offer a small knife to spread the goodness. Or cover it with a piece of plastic wrap and place it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serve with crackers, toasted crostini, or baguette slices.
Options and Substitutions
- Don't like goat cheese? Try cream cheese rolled into a log shape instead.
- Change up the nuts. Use walnuts or chopped pecans instead of pistachios.
- Skip the nuts and roll the cheese into chopped fresh herbs such as fresh parsley, oregano, or fresh basil.
- Can't find fresh cranberries? Use dried cranberries or try using thick jam along the top instead. Cherry or berry jams would be good. Fig jam, apricot, or orange marmalade would also work. Or consider a drizzle of hot honey.
Dress it up with a few whole sugared cranberries and some sprigs of fresh rosemary for a more festive look.
More Cheese Spread & Dips
Goat Cheese Log Spread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugared cranberries
- 3/4 cup pistachio nuts
- 1 8 ounce goat cheese log
Instructions
- Chop the pistachio nuts in a food processor or chop finely by hand.
- Chop sugared cranberries in the food processor or chop by hand.
- Spread out the chopped pistachios on a smooth surface.
- Roll the goat cheese log over the nut mixture, pressing slightly to ensure it's well coated.
- Spread a layer of chopped sugared cranberries over the top length of the log.
- Set the goat cheese log onto a pretty platter and serve with small crackers, crostini, baguette rounds, and/or crudite.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although attempts have been made to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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